Animal Profiles
Fish

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The bull shark is a robust coastal shark that can also spend time in fresh water. Sheltered estuaries provide important nursery habitat, while larger individuals hunt a wide variety of animals.

Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), the representative described here.

Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), the representative described here.

João D'Andretta · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Bull sharks occur along warm coasts in several ocean basins. They enter estuaries, rivers and some lakes, so the freshwater filter reflects real habitat use rather than a separate freshwater species.
Habitat
Coast, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Fish and rays are important prey, with other animals also taken.

Classification

Common name
Bull Shark
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Carcharhinus leucas
Taxon rank
species
Order
Carcharhiniformes
Family
Carcharhinidae
Genus
Carcharhinus
Source classification
Chondrichthyes

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It can enter fresh water.
  • Its snout is short and broad.
  • Estuaries provide nursery habitat.

Habitat and range

Bull sharks occur along warm coasts in several ocean basins. They enter estuaries, rivers and some lakes, so the freshwater filter reflects real habitat use rather than a separate freshwater species.

Appearance and adaptations

A short, broad snout and stout grey body distinguish the species. The belly is paler, and females generally grow larger than males. Teeth differ in shape between the upper and lower jaws.

Diet and behaviour

Fish and rays are important prey, with other animals also taken. Food choices change as sharks grow. Young bull sharks often use shallow estuarine areas that provide nursery conditions.

Sources

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