The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a large, circumtropical requiem shark, primarily associated with clear, warm waters surrounding oceanic islands and offshore reefs. This powerful predator is often the most abundant large shark in its habitat, yet its reputation for aggression toward humans is overstated. Documented interactions are exceedingly rare, establishing a context of low risk.
History of Attacks
The question of whether Galapagos sharks attack humans is answered by reviewing historical global records. Despite their large size and apex predator status, this species is not frequently implicated in unprovoked attacks. The International Shark Attack File attributes only one recorded unprovoked fatality to the Galapagos shark.
Isolated incidents involving this species are typically non-fatal bites resulting from mistaken identity or provocation. Interactions have been reported where the shark investigated a surfboard or a diver near a spearfishing operation. These encounters demonstrate the shark’s capacity for investigation but do not represent a pattern of deliberate predatory behavior.
In areas where these sharks are most commonly found, such as the Galapagos Islands, shark-related incidents are minimal despite high visitor numbers. The few documented occurrences are usually minor bites or interactions. These events often result from the shark confusing human activity for its natural prey, a pattern seen across many large shark species globally.
Identifying the Galapagos Shark
The Galapagos shark is among the largest species in its genus, commonly reaching 3.0 to 3.7 meters (10 to 12 feet) as an adult. The maximum recorded weight is around 195 kilograms (430 pounds). Its body is slender and streamlined, typical of the requiem shark family, with a brownish-gray coloration that fades to a white ventral surface.
A distinguishing feature is the prominent ridge of skin running along the midline of the back between the two dorsal fins. The shark possesses a wide and noticeably rounded snout. Its teeth are triangular and serrated on the upper jaw, while the narrower lower teeth are designed for seizing and cutting prey. The tall first dorsal fin, which originates just above the rear tips of the pectoral fins, is another key feature used for identification.
Typical Behavior and Habitat
Galapagos sharks prefer clear, tropical, offshore waters, often congregating around oceanic islands, deep reefs, and submerged seamounts. They frequently patrol along steep drop-offs and in areas with strong ocean currents, which are rich environments for their prey. Although they favor depths accessible to divers, they are known to perform deep dives, reaching up to 680 meters in some regions.
The diet is diverse, consisting mainly of bony fishes and cephalopods such as squid and octopus. Larger individuals expand their menu to include other sharks, marine reptiles like sea iguanas, and marine mammals such as sea lions and fur seals. They exhibit a curious temperament and investigate objects in their territory, sometimes approaching divers closely without aggression. This inquisitive behavior is generally a form of environmental assessment.
Reducing Encounter Risk
Divers and snorkelers in areas where Galapagos sharks are common can adopt specific precautions to minimize the risk of an interaction. Avoid entering the water during twilight hours, such as dawn and dusk, as these are peak hunting times for large shark species. Excessive splashing or erratic movements on the water’s surface should also be avoided, as this can mimic the distress signals of injured prey.
Water users should avoid wearing shiny jewelry, as the reflected light can resemble fish scales and attract curiosity. Stay clear of areas where fishermen are cleaning catches or where there is evidence of baitfish activity, such as diving seabirds. Swimming alone is less advisable than staying in groups, and individuals should immediately exit the water if a shark is sighted nearby.