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Galapagos Shark ReviewSharks are fish that also inhabit the waters of Galapagos, and when seen, they generate in our guests an experience that combines some degree of fear, adrenaline and repetition. Only extreme sports generate this reaction. During the varied aquatic programs offered by different tours to the islands, you can find Galapagos sharks in several occasions; there are weeks of course, that we don't see them at all, but generally some island site will give us the opportunity (and privilege) of seeing them.
It is really too bad that the sharks' reputation has given them the nickname "man eaters", since out of the 350 species of sharks, few actually have attacked humans. GALAPAGOS SHARK CHARACTERISTICS
Later that same year, this shark received its currently valid name of Carcharhinus galapagensis (Snodgrass and Heller, 1905). The genus name Carcharhinus is derived from the Greek "karcharos" = sharpen and "rhinos" = nose. The species name galapagensis is derived from the location, Galapagos Islands Ecuador, where the described specimens were caught in 1905. Size 10 - 12 feet in length. Diet- Galapagos sharks eat prey taken from the ocean floor including bottom-dwelling squid, fish and octopus. Habitat Galapagos sharks live tropical seas at depths ranging from 16 - 200 feet deep. Reproduction At birth shark pups can be approximately 22 - 32 inches long and a litter can be from 6-16 pups. The young pups stay in shallow waters to avoid being eaten by adult Galapagos. The Galapagos islands shark is similar to the Grey Reef Shark but with a rounder head and thicker body towards the tail area, can be difficult to identify. The Galapagos islands shark is brownish-gray upper body and white ventral surface with or without dusky markings on the fins. An inconspicuous white band can sometimes be seen on the flanks. The islands shark is currently not listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as endangered or threatened at this time. The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species. In the Islands it is surely a privilege to enter the marine environment where Galapagos sharks live. These experiences will definitely create a sense of adventure-accomplishment, and many will speak about them for years to come, more so if it was their first time ever with a hammerhead shark, white-tip reef shark, and the colossal whale shark (largest fish on Earth). The marine highlights hold a unique feature for Galapagos: the only place on Earth that compacts tropical water fish, subtropical water fish, sea lions and even a penguin. Where else? Thus, having a mask in Galapagos is just a small invitation to a marine realm full of surprises, highly educational, and complete with unforgettable memories. These experiences not only generate satisfaction and emotion, but they also make us appreciate more why the protection of such marine environment deserves first priority in the National Park. More About Galapagos:Recommended Galapagos Island ToursFlight to Galapagos Best Galapagos Hotel Galapagos Island Pictures Request Free Galapagos Travel Brochures Galapagos Recommended Reading:A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never before seen, with incredible underwater pictures. (highly recommended) The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands Are you planning on visiting the Galapagos Islands?
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