Creature Feature: Galapagos Shark

Galapagose shark at Midway Atoll. Photo Credit: Yumi Yasutake

The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis, Manō in Hawaiian) are a fairly common sight in the protected waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This species normally occurs in deeper coastal waters, but can found in shallow near-shore reefs in the Monument where food is abundant. Often confused with the Gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), the Galapagos is differentiated by its larger dorsal fin and has a low ridge on its back between dorsal fins. If you are lucky enough to encounter these graceful creatures, odds are they will be found in a small school. They can also be very curious, often approaching just out of reach of a relaxed (or sometimes not) scuba diver. They are reported to reach a length of 11.5 feet and can be found in all tropical seas.

Click Here for more information (you will be directed to a non-NOAA website).