Galapagos shark

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Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a large reef shark found around tropical islands worldwide. It typically grows to about 3 meters long and has a brownish gray back with a white belly. A distinctive feature is its tall first dorsal fin, which has a rounded tip.

Habitat and behavior
This shark lives in clear reef waters around oceanic islands and is often seen in groups. It can travel between islands, sometimes more than 50 kilometers from land. Juveniles stay in shallow water to avoid bigger predators, while adults can be found deeper, down to at least 180 meters.

Diet
Galapagos sharks mainly eat bottom-dwelling fishes and octopuses. Bigger individuals eat a wider range, including other sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, and occasionally garbage or debris.

Reproduction
Galapagos sharks reproduce in a live-bearing (viviparous) way. Females give birth to 4–16 pups every 2–3 years. Mating occurs from January to March, with a gestation of about one year. Birth happens in shallow nursery areas in spring. Newborns are about 61–80 cm long. Males reach maturity around 6–8 years old at 2.1–2.5 m, and females mature around 7–9 years old at 2.2–2.5 m; neither sex is thought to reproduce until about 10 years of age.

Conservation and human interactions
The IUCN lists the Galapagos shark as Least Concern, but its slow reproductive rate makes it vulnerable to population declines from fishing. It is caught by commercial fisheries in many areas. Some populations are protected, such as those around the Galapagos and Kermadec Islands. While they can be dangerous in close encounters, attacks on humans are relatively rare.

Range
The Galapagos shark is found around tropical island areas in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, including places like Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Madeira, Madagascar, Hawaii, and many other island groups.