SHARK SPECIES
Biological information about some of the shark species encountered on the KwaZulu-Natal coast is provided below:
All length measurements are precaudal i.e. exclude the tail.
Great White shark Carcharodon carcharias
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A powerful, torpedo-shaped body; conical snout; large triangular and heavily serrated teeth; deep gill slits. Prominent keels on caudal peduncle and a lunate tail. Usual tooth count 13-13 / 12-12
DISTRIBUTION
This wide ranging shark is usually found in coastal and offshore regions of the continental shelf. It occurs along the entire South African coast, but favours cooler waters.
NET CAPTURES
AVERAGE OF 27 specimens are caught each year, mainly on the south coast during winter. The majority of these are less than 250 cm in length.
REPRODUCTION
Very little is known. Males and females mature around 299 cm (8 years) and 350 cm (12-13 years), respectively. Presumably aplacental viviparous development. No pregnant females have been reported from South African waters. The size of the young are 100-135 cm when born. The smallest free swimming specimen was 108 cm long. Maximum size may exceed 700 cm. Maximum age up to 53 years.
FEEDING
The powerful jaws and large cutting teeth enable it to tackle large prey items such as marine mammals, sharks and rays. A variety of fish are eaten. In the Cape, seals form a large proportion of the diet.
BEHAVIOUR
This species is considered to be the most dangerous shark of all and has been implicated in more attacks on men and boats than any other species. It usually occurs singly or in pairs. This species does not survive in captivity. In the past it was known by anglers as a blue pointer.
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Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Long pointed snout and streamlined body; lunate tail with pronounced keels on the caudal peduncle; metallic blue or dark grey above. The teeth are large awl shaped and non-serrated.
DISTRIBUTION
It inhabits offshore waters along the South African coast and rarely ventures close inshore. Usually avoids water colder than 15°C.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 10 specimens are caught annually, most of which are captured in winter on the north coast. Mature sharks are occasionally encountered and have included 2 pregnant females
REPRODUCTION
The female matures at approximately 230 cm and the male at 160-170 cm. Little is known of the breeding habits. Aplacental viviparous development; litter size is 6-10; birth takes place at 70 cm. Maximum size is in the region of 300 cm.
FEEDING
The teeth are designed to grasp prey swimming in open water, such as small sharks, game fish and squid which may be swallowed whole.
BEHAVIOUR
This species is extremely fast swimming and is regarded as a game fish in many parts of the world. When hooked, it is known to jump clear out of the water. There have been numerous cases of the Mako attacking and jumping into or over boats. This species is dangerous but rarely ventures very close inshore.
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Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A large head with a very blunt snout and wide jaw but a slender body; large eyes. Vertical stripes fade with age and are barely visible in the adults. A distinct interdorsal ridge; the caudal peduncle has lateral keels. The cockscomb-shaped teeth are heavily serrated. Usual tooth count 10/11-1-10/11 / 11-1-11
DISTRIBUTION
It favours warmer waters and is rare in the Cape. Occasionally found far out at sea, but more often in turbid, coastal waters. It may enter estuaries.
NET CAPTURES
57 specimens are caught annually throughout the year, particularly on the middle south coast; the majority are immature. Only 1 pregnant female has been examined.
REPRODUCTION
Males mature around 250 cm (8 years) and females around 274 cm (11 years). Breeding appears to take place well north of KwaZulu-Natal. Aplacental viviparous development. The litter averages 35 pups which are born at 60-70 cm. This species may exceed 700 cm.
FEEDING
It is a most indiscriminate feeder, and is best described as a scavenger. An all-embracing diet features marine mammals, turtles, seabirds and a variety of bony and cartilaginous fish and cephalopods. An assortment of such garbage as carrion, tin cups and plastics are also ingested.
BEHAVIOUR
This species is usually solitary and more active at night. Although relatively sluggish, it is easily stimulated by food and is extremely dangerous. It is capable of pumping waters over its gills when stationary. Smaller specimens may survive well in captivity.
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Threshers Alopias
Smalltooth (Alopias pelagicus)
Thintail (Alopias vulpinus)
Bigeye (Alopias superciliosus)
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
The tail is almost the same length as the body. The smalltooth has small, serrated teeth, each with a cusp on the outer side. The thin tail has a very thin tail and non-serrated, erect teeth. The bigeye has an extremely large eye and broad tail, the first dorsal fin is far back. Usual tooth count: bigeye 9/12-9/12 / 10/11-10/11 thintail 20/21-20/21 / 19-1-19 smalltooth 21/22-21/22 / 20-2-20
DISTRIBUTION
They are found in all warmer oceans throughout the world. Rarely found close inshore, may inhabit deep water.
NET CAPTURE
One or two specimens are caught in the shark nets each year.
REPRODUCTION
Little is known about the reproductive biology of the three species in our waters. Ovoviviparous; 2-4 pups thought to be nourished by intra-uterine cannibalism. In Taiwanese waters, the male smalltooth matures at 145-150 cm (7-8 years) and females mature at 140-145 cm (8-9 years), and may attain a length of 175 cm. In Californian waters, the female thintail matures at 463 cm total length (TL) (8 years) and the male matures at 333 cm TL (3 years). They can attain a length of 760 cm TL. In Taiwanese waters, the male bigeye matures at 150-155 cm (9-10 years) and the females mature at 175-180 cm (12-13 years) and can attain a length of 230 cm.
FEEDING
They eat mainly pelagic shoaling fish, cephalopods, pelagic crustaceans and the occasional small shark.
BEHAVIOUR
They are extremely fast and herd and stun their prey with their long whip-like tails. They have been known to attack boats but because of their small mouths are unlikely to be dangerous to man.
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Zambezi shark Carcharhinus leucas
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A large robust bodied shark with a blunt snout. It is easily confused with the Java shark; the two can best be distinguished by the relative height of their dorsal fins. The ratio of the vertical heights of the first and second dorsal fins is less than 3,2 in the Zambezi and greater than 3,2 in the Java shark. Usual tooth count 13-1-13 / 12-1-12
DISTRIBUTION
It inhabits the warm, nearshore waters of Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal; rarely enters Cape waters. It may be found in many large rivers and lakes far from the sea; estuaries such as St. Lucia and Richards Bay form nursery grounds for the juveniles.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 19 are caught each year, mainly in the summer months on the north coast. Most of the sharks are immature. Pregnant females are rare south of the Tugela River.
REPRODUCTION
Females mature at 193 cm (21 years) and males mature at 190 cm (20 years). Breeding takes place north of the Tugela River; placental viviparous development. After a gestation period of just less than 1 year, 10-12 pups are born in summer at 50 cm. This species may attain a length of 240 cm.
FEEDING
Equipped with triangular cutting teeth and a wide mouth, it has a broad food spectrum. Rays, guitar fishes and small sharks are favoured prey items together with a wide variety of fish. It scavenges in the vicinity of flooding rivers.
BEHAVIOUR
It is extremely dangerous and is responsible for many shallow water attacks. It is one of the few sharks able to survive for long periods in fresh and muddy waters. This slow-moving shark adapts very well in captivity. Elsewhere in the world this species is known as the bull shark (USA) and the whaler (Australia).
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Java shark Carcharhinus amboinensis
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A heavy bodied shark with a blunt snout, it is easily confused with the Zambezi shark. The only obvious distinguishing feature is the relative heights of the two dorsal fins. In the Java the perpendicular height of the first dorsal fin is greater than 3,2 times that of the second dorsal fin. Usual tooth count 12-1-12 / 11-1-11
DISTRIBUTION
This species favours warmer, inshore waters and is uncommon south of the Tugela River. It does not appear to be as dependant on estuaries as the Zambezi shark.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 13 sharks are caught in the nets each year, mainly at Richards Bay and Zinkwazi. Mature specimens are not commonly caught but include two pregnant females.
REPRODUCTION
Placental viviparous development; breeding takes place north of KwaZulu-Natal. Males mature at 150 cm and females at 160 cm. This species attains 180-190 cm.
FEEDING
It feeds mainly on bottom dwelling and shoaling fish, elasmobranchs, cephalopods and the occasional crustacean.
BEHAVIOUR
The wide mouth dentition of this species makes it potentially dangerous. Some of the attacks attributed to the Zambezi shark may well be due to the Java.
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Dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A large, fairly stout shark with a rounded snout and a distinct interdorsal ridge. Unlike the sandbar, the first dorsal fin is small and its origin lies behind the axil of the pectoral fins. Similar to the bignose shark (Carcharhinus altimus) which occurs in deeper water. Usual tooth count 14/15-2-14/15 / 14-1-14
DISTRIBUTION
The adults favour deeper waters of the continental shelf between Mozambique and the southern Cape. They are attracted inshore during the annual sardine run. Juveniles are common close inshore off KwaZulu-Natal.
NET CAPTURES
Each year approximately 117 of all sizes are caught. Catches tend to be the highest during June and July; at this time pregnant females and those which have recently pupped are common.
REPRODUCTION
The males and females mature at 210-214 cm (19-20 years). Mating takes place offshore. Placental viviparous development; after 12 months gestation, 10-16 pups are born in winter at a length of 61-70 cm. The inshore waters of the KwaZulu-Natal coast form the nursery grounds. The maximum size of this species is 300 cm.
FEEDING
The juveniles feed on cephalopods and smaller fish. As the sharks mature the diet changes to one dominated by larger fish, sharks and batoids. Sardines are important in June and July. This species often scavenges on other animals caught in the shark nets.
BEHAVIOUR
This species is regarded as dangerous, because of its large size and varied diet. The newly born juveniles may occur in packs and are commonly caught by shore anglers. This species was known by anglers as a ridgeback or slipway grey.
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Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Medium in build, a rounded snout and a prominent interdorsal ridge. An extremely tall first dorsal fin with its origin over or in front of the axil of the pectoral fins distinguishes it from the dusky shark. Usual tooth count 14-1/2-14 / 14-1-14
DISTRIBUTION
It inhabits warm, shallow coastal waters and estuaries. Found throughout KwaZulu-Natal, particularly north of the Tugela River.
NET CAPTURES
Each year approximately 13 specimens are caught, particularly in the summer months at Richards Bay and Zinkwazi. Pregnant females are encountered.
REPRODUCTION
Breeding takes place north of the Tugela River. Placental viviparous development. 4-10 pups are born at 50 cm. This species may attain 155-165 cm. In the Western North Atlantic, this shark may take 30 years to reach maturity and can live for over 50 years.
FEEDING
It feeds near the seabed in the vicinity of reefs, with octopus being a very common prey item. Other cephalopods, a variety of small shoaling fish, crustaceans, very small sharks and batoids are also taken.
BEHAVIOUR
This species has never been proved to be responsible for an attack. Despite broad cutting teeth, and an inshore habitat it is a relatively small shark which appears to prefer smaller food items. This species survives extremely well in captivity.
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Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Medium in build, with a pointed snout. Many of the fins are black tipped, although the anal fin is rarely so. If a straight line is drawn linking the front of the nostrils, the distance between the snout and the line is equal to that between the line and the upper lip. This feature, together with a larger first dorsal fin and larger, finely serrated teeth distinguishes it from the longer snouted spinner shark. Usual tooth count 15-2/3-15 / 15-1-15
DISTRIBUTION
It inhabits coastal waters including the mouths of large rivers of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique. It may venture into Cape waters.
NET CAPTURES
Annual catch are approximately 65 individuals of all sizes. Pregnant females are not uncommon in summer.
REPRODUCTION
Males mature at 150 cm (6 years) and females at 156 cm (7 years). Mating occurs in summer. Placental viviparous development; litter size varies from 6-11. Birth takes place the following summer at a length of 50 cm. Attains 190 cm (about 14 years). Longevity up to 17 years.
FEEDING
It is an active and speedy hunter, preying mainly on a variety of fish, cephalopods and very small sharks.
BEHAVIOUR
Although responsible for few attacks, it is potentially dangerous. Described by spear fishermen as fast moving and nervous, occasionally aggressive when fish have been speared.
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Spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A long slender shark, with a very pointed snout. The pectoral, dorsal, anal and lower caudal fins are usually black tipped. The new born have no black markings and may be confused with the milk shark. If a straight line is drawn linking the front of the nostrils, the distance between snout tip and the line is far greater than that between the line and the upper lip. This feature, together with smaller teeth and a shorter dorsal fin, distinguishes it from the slightly stouter blacktip. Usual tooth count 16-2-16 / 16-1-16
DISTRIBUTION
It is found in shallow coastal waters between Mozambique and the Eastern Cape.
NET CAPTURES
Each year 54 specimens are caught, most of which are over 100 cm. Pregnant females with fully grown pups are often caught in April and May.
REPRODUCTION
The female matures at 160 cm (8-10 years) and the male at 150 cm (8-10 years). Placental viviparous development; 6-16 pups are born inshore along the KwaZulu-Natal coast at a length of 55 cm. The maximum size of this species is 220 cm. Longevity up to 35 years (females) and up to 24 years (males).
FEEDING
Although a large shark, it has small teeth and a narrow mouth which restrict it to a diet of cephalopods and smaller fish.
BEHAVIOUR
As this species is equipped to feed mainly on smaller prey it is probably the least dangerous of the larger requiem sharks. It may occur in small packs. A very fast swimmer which, when feeding and when hooked, will leap out of the water in a spinning motion, hence it is called the spinner shark.
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Blackspot shark Carcharhinus sealei
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A very small, slender shark with a prominent black tip on the second dorsal fin. The other fins are plain. Usual tooth count 12-2-12 / 12-1-12
DISTRIBUTION
It inhabits the coastal waters of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique.
NET CAPTURE
Due to its small size, it is rarely caught in the nets.
REPRODUCTION
The species matures at 60 cm. Mating takes place in summer and 1-2 pups are born 9 months later at a size of 30 cm, possibly on the Mozambique coast; placental viviparous development. Maximum size is 75 cm.
FEEDING
It feeds near the seabed taking small bony fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.
BEHAVIOUR
It is too small to be dangerous to man. It may be caught by both shore and skiboat anglers, particularly in summer.
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Copper shark Carcharhinus brachyurus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A large, fairly slender shark with moderately rounded snout; some specimens may have a faint interdorsal ridge. There is a distinct bulge at the base of the upper caudal fin. Unlike the dusky, the teeth of the upper jaw are distinctly hooked. Usual tooth count 15-1-15 / 15-1-15
DISTRIBUTION
It resides in the cooler, inshore waters of the Cape and Namibia. Large packs may enter KwaZulu-Natal waters in June and July in pursuit of migrating sardines.
NET CAPTURES
Catches, usually comprising sharks larger than 100 cm, may vary depending on the sardine run. The average annual catch is 21 specimens. Timeous removal of nets, particularly on the lower south coast, prevents the capture of enormous numbers. The occasional pregnant female is caught.
REPRODUCTION
Males mature at 175 cm PCL (approximately 17 years) and females at about 190 cm PCL (approximately 20 years). Breeding takes place in waters well south of KwaZulu-Natal. Placental viviparous development; 8-20 pups are born at a length of 55 cm.
FEEDING
The diet comprises mainly bottom dwelling and shoaling fish. Cephalopods and small sharks are also eaten.
BEHAVIOUR
It is considered a fairly dangerous shark, despite its feeding habits. It is fast moving and larger specimens are tenacious fighters when hooked. It may be seen leaping out of the water, possibly whilst feeding; often called a bronze whaler by anglers.
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Sicklefin lemon shark Negaprion acutidens
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Moderately robust shark with a blunt snout. The dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are almost the same size. Distinctively yellow-brown colour. Large, non-serrated daggerlike teeth. Usual tooth count 14-1/2-14 / 14-1/2-14
DISTRIBUTION
Occasionally caught in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Fairly common in Mozambique.
NET CAPTURES
Only 2 have been caught since 1978.
REPRODUCTION
Presumably placental viviparous development; 8-14 pups are born at about 39 cm. Maximum length 230 cm. In Florida Keys and the Bahamas, males mature at 175 cm (12 years) and females at 185 cm (13 years).
FEEDING
Feeds mainly on bottom dwelling fish, rays and sharks.
BEHAVIOUR
Although a rather sluggish shark, it is regarded as dangerous. It is particularly aggressive when provoked.
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Raggedtooth shark Carcharias taurus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Heavy-bodied; short pointed snout; small eyes. The anal and 2 dorsal fins are almost the same size. The body is light brown, often with darker blotches. Larger specimens have a prominent hump in front of the first dorsal fin. A protruding set of teeth gives this specimen its name. Each tooth is slender, with a very small cusp on each side; a complicated tooth count.
DISTRIBUTION
It favours shallow, inshore waters. Juveniles are common in the Eastern Cape, where they may enter estuaries. The mature females migrate between northern Zululand and the winter nursery grounds in the Eastern Cape.
NET CAPTURES
An average of 87 specimens are caught each year, mainly between September and November. Most are larger than 170 cm PCL. The sex ration is 3 females to 1 male. Pregnant females are caught from March to June.
REPRODUCTION
In South Africa, mating takes place inshore along the KwaZulu-Natal coast in October and November. The females carry scars from mating bites. Aplacental viviparous development; as a result of intrauterine cannibalism only 2 pups are born at about 70 cm in winter in waters south of KwaZulu-Natal.
FEEDING
The teeth are designed for seizing a variety of fish and small sharks which are usually swallowed whole. It may feed co-operativly in packs on a variety of shoaling fish including small tuna.
BEHAVIOUR
It is slow moving and is not regarded as dangerous unless provoked or aroused by a speared fish. It swallows air to overcome a natural negative buoyancy. Unlike most other large sharks it can actively pump water over its gills; survival in captivity is therefore excellent. Smaller specimens are often seen on Aliwal Shoal. It is known as a sand tiger (USA) and a grey nurse shark (Australia).
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Hound shark Triakidae
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A small slender body, elongated snout; eyes oval or slit-like, often green. The two dorsal fins are almost the same size. An interdorsal ridge may be present; no precaudal notch. Teeth arranged in a pavement fashion. A number of species may be encountered, the flapnose hound shark has prominent nasal flaps.
DISTRIBUTION
Members of this family may be found along the entire South African coast.
NET CAPTURES
In view of their size these sharks are rarely caught.
REPRODUCTION
Four species, smooth hound shark Mustelus mustelus, hardnose hound shark Mustelus mosis, white spotted smooth hound shark Mustelus palumbes and flapnose hound shark, Scylliogaleus quecketti, occur on the east coast of South Africa. Litters of 1 or 2 up to 52. Pups are born at lengths of 20-30 cm. Sexual maturity is attained at 65-80 cm. Specimens rarely exceed 200 cm total length. Female smooth hound sharks mature at 125-140 cm total length (12-15 years) and males mature at 95-110 cm (6-9 years).
FEEDING
They feed mainly on crustaceans, small fish and cephalopods.
BEHAVIOUR
Often caught by shore and skiboat anglers; harmless because of their dentition and small size.
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Milk shark Rhizoprionodon acutus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A small, very slender shark with a long, pointed, almost opaque snout. The origin of the second dorsal fin lies behind that of the anal fin, a characteristic which distinguishes this species from newborn spinner sharks. The teeth on the upper jaw are heavily slanted. Usual tooth count 12-1-12 / 11-2-11
DISTRIBUTION
This shark is prolific in the inshore waters of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique coasts, particularly in the summer months.
NET CAPTURES
Annually about 6 are caught and occasionally snagged by a fisherman's trace.
REPRODUCTION
Placental viviparous development; 2-8 pups are born the following summer at a size of 25-39 cm. Maximum size of this species is 75 cm.
FEEDING
The diet comprises small fish, cephalopods, crabs and prawns.
BEHAVIOUR
This shark is far too small to be dangerous to man. It is commonly caught by shore anglers in KwaZulu-Natal particularly on sandy beaches north of Durban.
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Great hammerhead shark Sphyrna mokarran
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
The front edge of the hammer is straight with a central notch. It has an extremely high, 'sickle' shaped, first dorsal fin; the height of the second dorsal fin is greater than the length of the third gill slit. Unlike the scalloped hammerhead, the teeth have definite serrations. Usual tooth count 17-2/3-17 / 17-1-17
DISTRIBUTION
It is found in warmer, offshore and coastal waters; not common in KwaZulu-Natal, rare further south.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 3 are caught each year, most of which are adolescents caught north of Durban in the summer months up to about May. A pregnant female was captured at Richards Bay.
REPRODUCTION
Males mature at 217 cm and females mature at 237 cm. Mating takes place north of KwaZulu-Natal. Placental, viviparous development. Approximately 13-42 pups are born at 30-40 cm in length. This species can exceed 400 cm in length.
FEEDING
It takes a variety of prey, favouring bottom dwelling rays, guitarfishes, small sharks, crustaceans, cephalopods, soles and other bony fish.
BEHAVIOUR
In view of its size and wide prey spectrum it should be regarded as dangerous, particularly to spear fishermen. The exact identity of hammerheads which have attacked people in other parts of the world is uncertain. All hammerheads are tenacious fighters when hooked. They are solitary.
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Scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
A curved hammer with a central notch; the dorsal fins are smaller than those of the great hammerhead. The height of the second dorsal fin is less than or equal to the length of the third gill slit. The teeth are smooth edged. Usual tooth count 15-2-15 / 15/16-1-15/16
DISTRIBUTION
Favours warmer waters both inshore and offshore. Immature specimens, with the exception of the new born, are common on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Mature specimens are found further north.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 74 specimens, almost all immature, are caught each year along the entire KwaZulu-Natal coast. Catches are highest during the summer months. Small number of pregnant females have been netted, almost all of which were captured north of the Tugela River.
REPRODUCTION
Placental viviparous development. Males mature at 162 cm and females at 183 cm. A litter size of 15-31 pups, born at 29-39 cm. In South Africa, breeding takes place north of KwaZulu-Natal. Maximum size is approximately 320 cm.
FEEDING
It feeds mainly on small fish and cephalopods, however mature sharks take larger prey.
BEHAVIOUR
It may attack speared fish, however the immature specimens are too small to be dangerous to man. This species often occurs in large packs swimming near the surface.
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Smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
The front margin of the head is curved and lacks the central indentation of the other two species of hammerhead. The narrow, slanting teeth are finely serrated. Usual tooth count 14-1/2-14 / 14-1-14
DISTRIBUTION
Unlike the other two species, this shark favours the cooler waters of the Cape.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 83 are caught each year, none of which are mature.
REPRODUCTION
Males and females mature at 170 cm. The litter size exceeds 30 pups which are born after a 6 month gestation period at 45 cm; placental viviparous development. Maximum size of this species is 300 cm. WHAT LENGTHS
FEEDING
The smaller sharks feed exclusively on small fish and cephalopods.
BEHAVIOUR
Most specimens are too small to be of any danger to man except that the larger sharks may harass spear fishermen's catches. The juveniles are often seen swimming near the surface in enormous packs, particularly in Eastern Cape waters.
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African angel shark Squatina africana
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Flattened body, with large wing-like pectoral and pelvic fins, hence the name. The mouth is at the front of the snout. Body brown above with pinkish white spots. Usual tooth count 10-10 / 10-10
DISTRIBUTION
Common in KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique, but may be found further south. It inhabits sandy areas from the surf-line to depths of 400 m.
NET CAPTURES
Approximately 18 specimens are caught, mainly in winter and in the Durban area. The sex ratio is 4 females, many of which are in the early stages of pregnancy, to 1 male.
REPRODUCTION
Aplacental viviparous development. Males and females mature at 70 cm. 4-12 young are born at 25 cm. The maximum size is under 100 cm.
FEEDING
Small bottom dwelling fish and cephalopods constitute its main food.
BEHAVIOUR
A slow moving, harmless species, although if stood on has been known to bite and cause rather severe lacerations. It often hides buried in the sand.
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Whale shark Rhincodon typus
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
Enormous size; wide mouth situated very close to the broad, blunt snout. Lunate tail with lateral keels on caudal peduncle. Rough, abrasive skin, with light spots and bands on a brown dorsal surface. Numerous minute teeth.
DISTRIBUTION
Found throughout the tropics. It is common close inshore, at or near the surface on the Zululand coast. The occasional specimen has been observed south of Durban.
NET CAPTURES
Seldom more than 1 per year.
REPRODUCTION
The whale shark is ovoviviparous; a litter size of 300 embryos (58-64 cm total length) has been reported in Taiwan. Males mature at 670 cm (20 years). No mature female specimens have been observed in KwaZulu-Natal. This species may exceed 1200 cm. Longevity possibly between 60-100 years.
FEEDING
It swims with its mouth open, allowing water to flow over its modified gill plates which sieve out small planktonic crustaceans and fish.
BEHAVIOUR
This shark is extremely slow moving. It spends a lot of time at the surface where it may be inadvertently struck by boats. Divers have found it to be docile enough to allow them to hitch a ride by hanging on to the snout or dorsal fin, but should be careful not to antagonize it.
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