How big is the Dusky shark?

Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) reaches 200–420 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Dusky shark?

Dusky shark is found between 0–400 m deep.

Where can you find the Dusky shark?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.

Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Carcharhinus obscurus
Common name: Dusky shark
Category: Fish
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Size: 200–420 cm
Depth: 0–400 m
IUCN status: Endangered (EN)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean

Description

Carcharhinus obscurus reaches 4.2 m and 400 kg. Large circumtropical shark (Carcharhinidae) with robust body gray-bronze to dark gray, white belly, darker fin tips. Lives from 0 to 400 m in coastal open water and pelagic of all tropical and warm-temperate oceans. Listed EN by IUCN following intensive overfishing for fins and flesh. Opportunistic apex predator. Cage diving encounters in South Africa (Aliwal Shoal), occasional Cape Verde. More coastal than Prionace glauca or Carcharhinus longimanus. Sought-after wide-angle photo subject for its size.

Photo of Dusky shark

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Dusky shark?: Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) reaches 200–420 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Dusky shark?: Dusky shark is found between 0–400 m deep.
Is the Dusky shark dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Dusky shark?: IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Where can you find the Dusky shark?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Carcharhinus

Other species in the family Carcharhinidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105796)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2418005)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia