Species profile
Galápagos Shark
Carcharhinus galapagensis
Identify Galápagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Galápagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is an IUCN Least Concern shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 101 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Hawaii.
Listed under MSA and CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- Despite the name, Galápagos sharks are found near oceanic islands throughout the tropics, not just the Galápagos.
- They can reach about 12 feet in length.
- One of the most abundant shark species in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands.
- Known to display threat posturing — hunching its back and rolling — toward approaching divers.
- Prey includes reef fish, octopus, and occasionally seabirds and sea lions.
Where Galápagos Shark are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Galápagos Shark
Protected status
- Atlantic HMS prohibited — must release unharmed.
- CITES Appendix II (Carcharhinidae — all requiem sharks, CoP19 effective Nov 2023).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The Galapagos shark is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, found worldwide. It favors clear reef environments around oceanic islands, where it is often the most abundant shark species. A large species that often reaches 3.0 m (9.8 ft), the Galapagos reef shark has a typical fusiform "reef shark" shape and is very difficult to distinguish from the dusky shark and the grey…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Galápagos Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Galápagos Shark?
Galápagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is an IUCN Least Concern shark or ray regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Galápagos Shark?
Galápagos Shark is Carcharhinus galapagensis.
Is Galápagos Shark regulated for fishing?
Yes — Galápagos Shark has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Galápagos Shark?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Galápagos Shark along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.