How to Identify Silky Shark

To identify Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface is dark grey to brownish-grey, fading to white on the ventral side. The tips of the fins, particularly the second dorsal and lower caudal lobe, may be dusky or blackish, but this is not always prominent.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Slender, streamlined body, Relatively small second dorsal fin with a long, free rear tip, originating over or slightly behind the anal fin origin, Long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins, Interdorsal ridge present, though sometimes indistinct, Smooth, 'silky' skin texture due to small, closely packed dermal denticles

Dorsal fin

First dorsal fin moderately large, originating behind the pectoral fin free rear tips. Second dorsal fin is notably small with a long free rear tip, originating over or slightly behind the anal fin origin.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is strongly asymmetrical, with a well-developed lower lobe and a prominent subterminal notch on the upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

Long, narrow, and distinctly sickle-shaped (falcate).

Distinctive fins

The long, free rear tip of the second dorsal fin is a key diagnostic feature, often extending more than twice the height of the fin itself.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Second Dorsal Fin

   Look for a very small second dorsal fin with a long, free rear tip that extends well past the fin base. This is a primary distinguishing characteristic.

2. 2

   Pectoral Fins

   Observe the long, slender, and distinctly sickle-shaped (falcate) pectoral fins.

3. 3

   Skin Texture

   If close enough, the skin feels notably smooth or 'silky' due to its small, tightly packed dermal denticles, unlike the rougher skin of many other sharks.

4. 4

   Interdorsal Ridge

   A low interdorsal ridge is usually present between the first and second dorsal fins, though it can be subtle.

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