Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)

Most commonly known as the Zambezi shark in South Africa, the Bull shark also known as the Whaler shark or unofficially known as Zambi in Africa and Nicaragua shark in Nicaragua, is a shark common worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in river mouths. The bull shark is well known for its unpredictable, often aggressive behavior.

Distribution and Habitat

Coastal areas of warm oceans, in rivers and lakes, and occasionally streams

Size

Males can reach 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) and weigh 91 kg (200 lb). Females can be much larger; up to 4 m (13 ft 1 in)and 318 kg (700 lb).

Conservation Status

Threatened/endangered

Interesting facts

One or more Bull sharks may have been responsible for the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916, which was the inspiration for the Peter Benchley novel Jaws, and subsequent film adaptation of the same name. Zambezi sharks have been found in the Brede River (Southern coast of South Africa) and there is currently a tagging program in place to track how far up the river they travel.

Danger Stats

Zambezi sharks are among the four species considered the most dangerous to humans, and is probably the most dangerous of the four species.