How to Identify Galapagos Shark

To identify Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically grey-brown, fading to white on the ventral side. A faint, often indistinct, white band may be present on the flanks. Fin tips are not conspicuously marked.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Robust, streamlined body., First dorsal fin originates over or slightly in front of the pectoral fin axil., Second dorsal fin is relatively tall, with a short rear tip., Interdorsal ridge is present and prominent., Snout is moderately long and broadly rounded., Large, serrated, triangular teeth in the upper jaw; narrower, erect teeth in the lower jaw.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is large, triangular, and originates over or slightly anterior to the pectoral fin axil. The second dorsal fin is relatively tall with a short rear tip, originating over or slightly anterior to the anal fin origin.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, with a well-developed ventral lobe and a prominent subterminal notch on the dorsal lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and somewhat falcate (sickle-shaped) pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a distinct interdorsal ridge between the first and second dorsal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Interdorsal Ridge

   Presence of a prominent ridge of skin between the first and second dorsal fins. This is a key distinguishing feature from some similar species like the Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) which lacks this ridge.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin Origin

   The first dorsal fin originates over or slightly in front of the pectoral fin axil. This helps differentiate it from species where the first dorsal fin originates further back.

3. 3

   Second Dorsal Fin

   Relatively tall second dorsal fin with a short rear tip, originating over or slightly anterior to the anal fin origin.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Uniform grey-brown dorsal coloration without prominent fin markings (unlike Blacktip Reef Shark or Silvertip Shark).

5. 5

   Teeth

   Upper jaw teeth are broadly triangular and strongly serrated, while lower jaw teeth are narrower and erect. Examination of teeth (if possible) can be diagnostic.

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