How big is the Silky shark?

Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) reaches 200–350 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Silky shark?

Silky shark is found between 0–500 m deep.

Where can you find the Silky shark?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Carcharhinus falciformis
Common name: Silky shark
Category: Fish
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Size: 200–350 cm
Depth: 0–500 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Carcharhinus falciformis reaches 3.5 m and 350 kg. Slender pelagic shark with spindle-shaped body, metallic bronze-gray back, white belly, particularly smooth skin hence silky name. Tapered caudal and pectoral fins. Lives in open water from 0 to 500 m in global tropical to subtropical waters. Sometimes observed schooling around FADs and wrecks. Intense overfishing for fins, listed VU. Encounters in Cape Verde and southern Macaronesian Atlantic.

Photo of Silky shark

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Silky shark?: Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) reaches 200–350 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Silky shark?: Silky shark is found between 0–500 m deep.
Is the Silky shark dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Silky shark?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Silky shark?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Carcharhinus

Other species in the family Carcharhinidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105789)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2418095)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia