1A Upper Labial Furrows Very Long, Extending Infront of Eyes. Prominent

Home , Bignose shark, Carcharhiniformes, Carcharhinus, Dusky shark, Galapagos shark, Grey reef shark

FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 21 KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE 1a First dorsalfin equidistantorcloserto fi pectoral ns.2b Nolateral keels. First dorsalfin much closerto pelvicfi fins thanpectoral 2a ns. Low blueabove. lateral keels.Briliant 1b Fins notmottledwhite; fi first dorsal and pectoral withpointed tips ns tapering 3b First fi dorsalandpectoral broad withrounded whitens very mottledtips 3a mottled white rounded tip, Carcharhinus longimanus, p.37 First dorsal fi broad – n very Galeocerdo cuvier, p.25 Labial furrows long– Upper labial furrows very long, infrontUpper labialfurrowsextending ofeyes. very Prominent lateral keels. Upper labialfurrows infront donotextend ofeyes. usuallyabsent. Lateral keels long Prionace glauca, First dorsalfin closerto Prionace glauca, p.27 First dorsalfin closerto fi pelvic ns– Labial furrows Go toGo 2 – Labial furrows short Go toGo 4,p.22 First dorsal fi– n tapering no mottling p.27 short pelvic fipelvic ns lateral keels low lateral keels – Galeocerdo cuvier, p.25 Prominent lateral keels– longimanus, Carcharhinus broad Pectoral fins longimanus, p.37 Carcharhinus broad– Pectoral fins  3,Carcharhinus species –  C.longimanus, p.39 p.37    4,p.22 2 Galeocerdo cuvier, p.25 Go toGo 3 First dorsalfin equidistant orcloserto pectoral fi ns– Go toGo First dorsalfin equidistant orcloserto mottled white rounded tip, 3  Go toGo 2 absent,orlow–Lateral keels P. glauca, p.27 Go toGo tapering Pectoral fins Go toGo 4,p.22 – tapering Pectoral fins 4 , p.22 – no lateral keels pectoral fins – 19/08/2014 17:31 21 SHARK KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE

4a First dorsal fi n, pectoral, pelvic and caudal fi ns with conspicuous white tips and posterior edges  C. albimarginatus, p.29 4b First dorsal fi n, pectoral, pelvic and caudal fi ns without white tips  5 sometimes

Conspicuous white tips and posterior edges– No white tips to most ﬁ ns– Carcharhinus albimarginatus, p.31 Go to 5

5a Caudal fi n with prominent posterior black edges with no black tip on fi rst dorsal fi n  C. amblyrhynchos, p.33 5b Caudal fi n with prominent posterior black edges or plain, but if edge is black and fi rst dorsal fi n tip is black  6 KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE no black tip if black tip caudal fi n posterior edges black

Caudal ﬁ n with prominent posterior black edges– Caudal ﬁ n with or without prominent posterior black Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, p.29 edges– Go to 6

6a First dorsal origin well behind pectoral free rear tips  C. falciformis, p.35 6b First dorsal origin infront of or over pectoral free rear tip  7, p.23 SHARK

First dorsal ﬁ n origin well behind pectoral free rear tip– First dorsal ﬁ n origin in front or over pectoral free rear tip– Carcharhinus falciformis, p.35 Go to 7, p.23 22

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 22 19/08/2014 17:31 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 23 KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE 7a 8a 9b 8b 7b 9a C. galapagensis, C. galapagensis, p.37 C. plumbeus, p.43 nasalflAnterior aps low Anterior nasalflAnterior aps First dorsalorigin infront oratleastnearer free oforover pectoral insertions, rear pectoral tips Anterior nasalflAnterior aps low andinconspicuous. 14rows ofteeth. First low high.Interdorsal ridge dorsalvery Upper teeth relatively low &broad. Pectoral fi Firstns curved. dorsalfi margin anterior n low withcurved Anterior nasalflAnterior aps highandtriangular. 15rows ofteeth. First dorsallower. Interdorsal high First dorsalorigin opposite orjustinfront rear ofpectoral tipsbutcloserto insertions themthanpectoral Upper teeth relatively high&narrow. Pectoral fins roughly straight.First dorsalfi marginn highwithstraightishanterior low Go toGo 8 First dorsalfi– n origin infront toinsertions nearpectoral – – C. obscurus, p.41 8 Anterior nasalflAnterior aps C. altimus, p.31 nasalflAnterior aps high– in front to near C. galapagensis, C. galapagensis, p.37 high pectoral pectoral – insertions p.37 C. plumbeus, First dorsalin C. plumbeus, p.43 First high– dorsalinvery – C. obscurus, p.41 p.43 very high very interdorsal low ridge – Go toGo 9 First dorsalfin origin closertorear tips– pectoral Go toGo First dorsalfin origin 9  C.altimus, p.31  C. altimus, First dorsalin C. altimus, p.31 First dorsalinhigh– 8 closer to  straightish anterior marginstraightish anterior

 p.31  C. obscurus, C. galapagensis, C. obscurus, p.41 C. galapagensis, p.37 C.obscurus, p.41 curved anterior margin anterior curved high C.plumbeus, p.43 9  pectoral pectoral – C.galapagensis, p.37 interdorsal high ridge p.41 rear tips p.37 – 19/08/2014 17:31 23 SHARK KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE

Carcharhinidae species comparison

Carcharhinus falciformis p.35 Galeocerdo cuvier p.25 KEY GUIDE TO CARCHARHINIDAE Prionace glauca p.27 Carcharhinus longimanus p.37

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos p.29 Carcharhinus galapagensis p.39

Carcharhinus albimarginatus p.31 Carcharhinus obscurus p.41

Carcharhinus altimus p.33 Carcharhinus plumbeus p.43

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 24 19/08/2014 17:32 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 25 Tooth counts: upperjaw 18–26,lower jaw 18–25. anddistalcusplets.serrations Teeth teeth withheavy curved cockscomb-shaped Dentition ● ● ● (Péron &Lesueur, 1822) Galeocerdo cuvier CARCHARHINIFORMES

furrows thatreach theeyes. longupperlabial Very Large spiracles. thepectoral fi behind with aratherslenderbody ns. , blunt-snouted, , large-mouth short Big-head, very Teeth approximately size. actual © NOAA Fisheries, USA about aslarge asseconddorsal. orinner margins; analfiorigin above insertions pectoral n prominent;interdorsal fi present ridge andvery rst dorsal fipectoral long; ns; large spiracles;labialfurrow slit-like very witharatherslenderbodybehindthe mouthed shark A stout blunt-snouted, bodied, big-headed, large- short, Description ● Requin Tigre Commun TigreRequin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks Tiger Shark

markings, fadedorobsolete inlarge adults.markings, tiger-stripe vertical dark, Distinctive ●

and very prominent. and very presentInterdorsal ridge ●

Low oncaudalpeduncle. keels Birth size: 50–75cm. Birth to possibly700cm. size:Maximum 550cm Females mature: 250–350cm. mature:Males 225–290cm. Size fading outinadults. ofbody,surface boldinyoung but barsondorsal black spotsandvertical Grey of witha uniquecolourpattern Colour ● second dorsalﬁn. Anal ﬁn aboutsamesize as 225–290cm. ● 250–350cm.

an acutely pointed tip. Slender caudalﬁn with NT LL 19/08/2014 17:32 TIG 25 SHARK Anal n 5 Gills Upper labial furrows very long Galeocerdo cuvier TIG Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Short blunt snout with broadly rounded mouth; fi rst dorsal fi n above pectoral faded in large adults ; large cockscomb-shaped curved teeth with prominent fi ns inner margin; colour pattern of vertical bars and black spots, bold in young, serrations.

Gill slits, fi rst dorsal position & caudal fi n shape Ventral view of head Second dorsal & anal fi ns

distinctive vertical striping in specimens less than 3m short, blunt, wide snout interdorsal ridge very prominent

slender caudal fi n with an acutely pointed tip low keels on caudal peduncle very long, prominent upper labial furrows fi rst dorsal fi n origin over inner margin of pectoral fi ns gill slits of medium anal fi n deeply notched, length, two in front teeth not obvious unless about same size as second of pectoral fi ns origin Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger shark mouth opened dorsal fi n, not minute

boundary between dorsal colour and ventral white abrupt shortish, conically-blunt snout no interdorsal ridge

caudal fi n crescent-shaped second dorsal fi n minute and ahead of anal fi n

keel on caudal peduncle

fi rst dorsal fi n about over gill slits long and all inner margin of pectoral fi ns upper labial in front of pectoral furrows minute fi ns origin anal fi n minute only slightly Carcharodon carcharias White Shark teeth obvious larger than second dorsal fi n

distinctive ‘checkerboard’ patterning no interdorsal ridge caudal ﬁ n semi-lunate

very short, blunt, large keel on caudal peduncle very wide snout

teeth minute never obvious

gill slits long, four fi rst dorsal fi n set well back, partly over pelvic fi ns above pectoral fi ns anal fi n notched about same size Rhincodon typus Whale Shark as second dorsal fi n, not minute 26

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 26 19/08/2014 17:32 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 27 Tooth counts: upperjaw 24–31,lower jaw 24–34. Dentition ● (Linnaeus, 1758) Prionace glauca CARCHARHINIFORMES

large eyes. Comparatively ●

fi ns, Long andnarrow pectoral pointed attips. ● pectoral fipectoral ns free rear tip. fipelvic ns originthan First dorsalfin closerto Teeth approximately size. actual ●

caudal fin withalonglower lobe. fi oncaudalpeduncle;narrow-lobedns origin; low keel narrow, andpointed attips;first dorsalfi n closerto pelvic large; fi pectoral eyes very Body slender; long, ns very Description © Charlene Da Silva (Department Agriculture, DaSilva© Charlene (Department Forestry, andFisheries, Africa) South Abruptly white ventrally. Peau Bleue Blue Shark Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks ● Brilliant to darkbluedorsally. ●

No interdorsal ridge. ●

long lower lobe. Caudal ﬁn with ● Maximum size:Maximum about380cm. Females mature: about200cm. mature:Males 182–281cm. Size laterally andabruptlywhite ventrally. dorsally, blue becominglighter bright blue toColoration dark isabrilliant Colour Low oncaudalpeduncle. keel LLLLNT 19/08/2014 17:32 BSH

27 First dorsal n closer to pevic n than SHARK Anal n 5 Gills Prionace glauca pectoral ns BSH Prionace glauca Blue Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES The bright blue coloration and very long, narrowly tapering pectoral ﬁ ns separates this shark from all other species in the region.

First dorsal ﬁ n position Caudal keels Ventral view of head

fi rst dorsal fi n nearer to moderately large second caudal keel not present pelvic than pectoral fi ns dorsal and anal fi ns

snout narrow and pointed

slender head in proﬁ le, teeth slender and elongated body, brilliant to dark blue not prominent Prionace glauca Blue Shark moderately large anal ﬁ n teeth not prominent

fi rst dorsal fi n nearer to very small second prominent caudal keel pectoral fi n s dorsal and anal fi ns

snout conical in shape

head conical in proﬁ le, moderately stout, brilliant blue teeth prominent Isurus oxyrinchus Short n Mako small anal ﬁ n teeth prominent

fi rst dorsal fi n nearer to very small second pectoral fi ns dorsal and anal fi ns prominent caudal keel

snout conical in shape head conical in proﬁ le, moderately stout, darkish blue to blackish teeth prominent teeth prominent Isurus paucus Long n Mako small anal ﬁ n

narrow interdorsal ridge fi rst dorsal fi n nearer to second dorsal and anal fi ns caudal keel not present pectoral fi ns with very long free rear tips

snout narrowly rounded

slender head in proﬁ le, teeth slender and elongated body, grey to grey-brown moderately large anal ﬁ n not prominent with very long free rear tip teeth not prominent Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark 28

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 28 19/08/2014 17:32 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 29 Dentition Tooth counts: upperjaw 24–28,lower jaw 24–28. cusps.serrated high cusps;lower broad teeth witherect,fairly serrated, erectto moderately oblique, triangular, Upper teeth withmoderately broad, strongly (Rüppell, 1837) Carcharhinus albimarginatus CARCHARHINIFORMES ● and broadly rounded. Snout moderately long ● slightly anterior toslightly anterior rear pectoral tips. Origin offirst dorsalfi n usuallyover or Teeth approximately size. actual roundedrounded orpointed. orpointed. fi fipectoral pectoral ns narrowns narrow tipped;fi tipped;fi rst dorsalapexnarrowlyrst dorsalapexnarrowly conspicuous whiteconspicuous white margins margins tipsandposterior tipsandposterior onallfi onallfins,ns, A large,A large, slender, slender, fairly fairly grey grey withstrikingly withstrikingly dark dark shark shark Description © MalcolmFrancis (NIWA, NewZealand) ● Requin PointeRequin Blanche Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks Silvertip Shark Silvertip narrowly rounded orpointed apices. Pectoral fins large andsemifalcate, with ● posterior margin curving ventrally from marginposterior fi curving n apex. with pointed ornarrowly rounded apexand First dorsalfin moderately large andsemifalcate, ●

Interdorsal ridge present.Interdorsal ridge ● Fins tipsandposterior edgeswhite. ● slightly behindanalorigin. Origin ofseconddorsalover or Birth size: 60–80cm. Birth size:Maximum 300cm. Females mature: 160–200cm. mature:Males 160–180cm. Size on flank. margins; aninconspicuous white band conspicuous white tipsandposterior allfi allfi tinge, tinge, white white below; below; bronzy bronzy ns with ns with grey greyDark Dark above, above, sometimeswitha sometimeswitha Colour LLNT 19/08/2014 17:32 ALS 29 SHARK Anal n 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus albimarginatus FAO Carcharhinus albimarginatus Silvertip Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Snout moderately long and broadly rounded; pectoral fi ns large and semi- margin curving ventrally from fi n apex, origin of fi rst dorsal fi n usually over or curved, with narrowly rounded or pointed apices, fi rst dorsal fi n moderately slightly anterior to pectoral rear tips, origin of second dorsal over or slightly large and semi-curved with pointed or narrowly rounded apex its posterior behind anal fi n origin; fi ns tips and posterior edges white.

Fin tips and margins coloration Second dorsal & anal ﬁ ns Ventral view of head

fi rst dorsal fi n origin over pectoral and fi rst dorsal fi ns tapering or slightly anterior to distally with striking white tips and pectoral rear tips posterior fi n edges

snout broadly rounded

anal ﬁ n with white posterior edges second dorsal origin over/ Carcharhinus albimarginatus Silvertip Shark slightly behind anal origin

fi rst dorsal fi n origin over pectoral and fi rst dorsal fi ns very pectoral rear tips broad distally broadly rounded tips mottled white in adults

snout broad

second dorsal and anal ﬁ ns black-tipped second dorsal origin ahead of Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic Whitetip Shark anal origin

fi rst dorsal fi n origin behind pectoral and fi rst dorsal fi ns tapering pectoral rear tips distally with no distinct markings, pectoral fi n tips often dusky

snout narrowly rounded

second dorsal and anal ﬁ ns dusky tipped second dorsal origin behind Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark anal origin 30

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 30 19/08/2014 17:32 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 31 ● Tooth counts: upperjaw 28–30,lower jaw 28–30. teeth.cusped serrated without cusplets;lower jaw witherectnarrow- Upper jaw withhigh,triangular, teeth serrated Dentition (Springer 1950) (Springer Carcharhinus altimus CARCHARHINIFORMES bluntly pointed to rounded. Snout moderately longand ● pectoral innermargins. to over about of midpoint insertion Origin offirst dorsalfi n over pectoral Teeth approximately size. actual conspicuous marking onbody.conspicuous marking fi rear straightpectoral tip;longnearly with ashort ns; no high fihigh first dorsalfirst dorsalfi n; moderatelyn; moderately highseconddorsalfi highseconddorsalfi n n bluntly pointedbluntly pointed snout;ahighinterdorsal snout;ahighinterdorsal moderately moderately ridge; ridge; A large,A large, grey grey withalongrounded withalongrounded deep-benthic deep-benthic shark shark or or Description © NOAA Fisheries, USA ● Requin Babosse Requin Bignose Shark Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks narrowly rounded orpointed narrow apices. Pectoral fins large, with hardly curved, ●

margin curving ventrallymargin curving from fin apex. with bluntlypointed apexandposterior First dorsalfin moderately, large andcurved ● Prominent, broad interdorsal present. ridge ● anterior toanterior analorigin. Origin ofseconddorsalslightly ● ● Birth size: 60–90cm. Birth size:Maximum 300cm. Females mature: 225–280cm. mature:Males 215–270cm Size inconspicuous onfl white marking markings; anks (except(except for for pelvics)butnoconspicuous pelvics)butnoconspicuous whitewhite below, below, fi fi withdusky withdusky n tips n tips Light greyLight grey above, above, sometimesbronzy, sometimesbronzy, Colour No conspicuous markings onbody.No conspicuousmarkings dorsalfiSecond n large andhigh. LLDD 19/08/2014 17:33 CCA 31 SHARK Anal n 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus altimus CCA Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Snout moderately long and bluntly pointed to rounded; prominent interdorsal pectoral fi ns insertion to about over midpoint of pectoral inner margins, ridge present; fi rst dorsal fi n moderately large and curved with bluntly pointed second dorsal fi n large and high with origin slightly anterior to anal fi n origin. apex and posterior margin curving ventrally from fi n apex with origin over

First dorsal ﬁ n position Second dorsal & anal ﬁ ns Ventral view of head

fi rst dorsal fi n origin about fi rst dorsal fi n moderately high & curved midpoint of pectoral inner margin prominent, broad interdorsal ridge

snout bluntly pointed to rounded

adults stout origin of second dorsal slightly bodied Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark forward of anal origin

fi rst dorsal fi n origin over/ fi rst dorsal fi n high & semifalcate forward of pectoral fi ns insertion low, narrow interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded or broadly parabolic

stout bodied origin of second dorsal over or Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark slightly forward to anal origin

fi rst dorsal fi n origin fi rst dorsal fi n moderately high & semifalcate about midpoint of pectoral inner margin low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

fairly slender origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark over anal origin

fi rst dorsal fi n origin fi rst dorsal fi n moderately high over/ just forward of pectoral fi ns free rear tip low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

slender to origin of second dorsal about moderately stout Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark over anal origin 32

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp017-032 wide.indd 32 19/08/2014 17:33 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 33 Tooth counts: upperjaw 26–28,lower jaw 26–28. cusps serrated lower teeth witherectorsemioblique, narrow semierect to oblique, highcusps; Upper teeth withnarrow, strongly serrated, Dentition (Bleeker, 1856) Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos CARCHARHINIFORMES ● broadly rounded. Snout moderately long, ● just infront ofpect Origin offirstdorsalfinusually over or Teeth approximately size. actual oral free rear tips. ● with narrowly rounded orpointed apices. Pectoral finsmoderately large, nar © Lindsay (Stick Figure Marshall Fish, Australia) marginon theposterior ofthecaudalfin. rear tip;abroad blackband second dorsalfinwithashort long, broadly rounded snout;nointerdorsal large ridge; A medium-sized to large grey withamoderately shark Description Requin Dagsit Requin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks Grey ReefShark ● with anar First andsemifalcate, dorsalfinmoderate-sized posterior margin curving ventrally from marginposterior finapex. curving ● rowly rounded orpointed apexand Usually nointerdorsal ridge. row andcurved, ●

about over analorigin. Origin ofseconddorsal ● blackish toblackish duskytips. Anal andpelvicsfinswith ● second dorsalfins. a conspicuous broad blackmargin, alsoonpectoral, Grey above, withposter Birth size: 45–60cm. Birth size:Maximum 230–255cm. Females mature: 120–140cm. mature:Males 130–145cm. Size tips. ofdusky pelvic finswithblackish pectorals, seconddorsal, anal, and a conspicuousbroad blackmargin, margins) andpostventral with pre- marginposterior ofcaudal(terminal, entire white-edged, plain orirregularly Grey firstdorsal above, white below; Colour ●

to duskyfintips large andhighwithblackish dorsalfinmoderatelySecond ior margin ofcaudal finwith . NT LL 05/09/2014 14:27 AML 33 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos AML Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Grey Reef Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Usually no interdorsal ridge. First dorsal fin moderate-sized with posterior and high. Origin of second dorsal about over anal origin. Posterior margin margin curving ventrally from fin apex. Origin of first dorsal fin usually over of caudal fin with a conspicuous broad black margin; also pectoral, second or just in front of pectoral free rear tips. Second dorsal fin moderately large dorsal, anal, and pelvics fins with blackish to dusky tips.

Fin tips and margins coloration Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin just sometimes white tipped forward or over pectoral free rear tips usually no interdorsal ridge second dorsal free rear tip long snout broadly rounded posterior margins black dark to black tips origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Grey Reef Shark over anal origin

first dorsal fin origin well behind pectoral narrow interdorsal ridge free rear tips second dorsal free rear tip very long snout narrowly rounded fin tips dusky dusky tips second dorsal origin behind Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark anal origin

first dorsal fin origin about midpoint of pectoral inner low interdorsal ridge margin second dorsal free rear tip long snout broadly rounded fin tips slightly slightly dusky tips dusky origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark over anal origin

first dorsal fin origin over/ just forward of low interdorsal ridge pectoral free rear tips second dorsal free rear tip short snout broadly rounded fin tips slightly slightly dusky tips dusky origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark over anal origin 34

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 34 05/09/2014 14:27 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 35 Tooth counts: upperjaw 29–35,lower jaw 27–37. erect, narrow, cusps. smooth-edged erect to moderately obliquecusps;lower teeth with narrow,Upper teeth withfairly strongly serrated, Dentition ● ● (Müller &Henle,(Müller 1839) Carcharhinus falciformis CARCHARHINIFORMES

ventral ordorsalview Snout narrowly rounded in flattened inlateral view Snout relatively long . . ● rear tips. finsfr behind pectoral First dorsalfinorigin well Teeth approximately size. actual ee ● © NOAA Fisheries, USA long, usuallymorevery than2timesfinheight. pectoral-free rear tips;inner margin ofseconddorsalfin firstdorsalfin wellbehind and rounded indorsal view; long,Body slenderandelongated; snoutfairly flattened Description Inconspicuous paleflankband. Inconspicuous Requin SoyeuxRequin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks Silky Shark Silky ● not marked. not marked. First dorsalfintip ●

Narrow interdorsal ridge ● tips dusky. Anal andpelvicfins ● Fin tipdusky. long dorsalfinfree rearSecond tipvery – more than2timesthefinheight. Birth size: ??–??cm. Birth sizeMaximum : about330cm. Females mature: 213–230cm. mature:Males 187–217cm. Size except fortips dusky firstdorsal. inconspicuous, fin finmarking below; inconspicuous paleflankband, white greyDark to grey-brown above withan Colour VU ●

dusky. Caudal fintips LL 05/09/2014 14:27 FAL 35 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills D1 fin origin well behind P fins free rear tips Carcharhinus falciformis FAL Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Carcharhinus altimus (page 31), C. plumbeus (page 41), and C. obscurus (page The second dorsal fins are also shorter, length less than 2 times the height. 43) are most similar, but the first dorsal fin of these sharks originate over or slightly anterior to pectoral-fin free-rear tips.

Pectoral fins free rear tip and first dorsal fin origin positions Second dorsal fin Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin low to narrow interdorsal ridge moderately high

free rear tip of second snout narrowly rounded dorsal fin at least twice the height of fin slender head slender and elongated body in profile Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark

first dorsal fin low interdorsal ridge moderately high

free rear tip of second dorsal fin about the same snout broadly rounded height of fin head not as slender to moderately stout slender in profile Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark

first dorsal fin prominent high interdorsal ridge moderately high

free rear tip of second dorsal fin about the same height of fin snout bluntly pointed

head not as adults stout bodied slender in profile Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark

first dorsal fin high low interdorsal ridge

free rear tip of second dorsal fin about the same snout broadly rounded height of fin head not as slender stout bodied in profile Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark 36

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 36 05/09/2014 14:27 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 37 lower jaw 27–33 rows. Tooth counts: usuallyupperjaw 27–33, lower teeth erectandnarrow-cusped. anterolateralcusped serrated teeth withoutcusplets; Upper jaw triangular, high,erectand semioblique- Dentition ● (Snodgrass &Heller, 1905) Carcharhinus galapagensis CARCHARHINIFORMES and broadly rounded. Snout moderately long ● opposite mid-p Origin offirstdorsalfinabout of pectoral fins.oint ofpectoral Teeth approximately size. actual © MalcolmFrancis (NIWA, NewZealand) band onflank. except white pointed apices;noconspicuousmarkings fins, pectoral withnarrowly rounded or large semi-curved long, broadly rounded snout;alow interdorsal ridge; amoderately large,Very slenderbodiedshark,with fairly Description Galapagos Shark Galapagos Requin desGalapagos Requin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks ● nar Pectoral finslarge andsemifalcate, with rowly rounded orpointed apices. ● with short rear tip with short First dorsalfinmoderately large, ● A low interdorsal ridge. . ● about overabout analfinorigin. Origin ofseconddorsalfin ● or white; aninconspicuouswhite bandonflank. Brownish-grey abo ● high, free-rear tipshort. high, free-rear dorsalfinmoderatelySecond 55–80cm. Birth: size:Maximum 370cm. Female mature: 235cm. matureMale : 170–235cm. Size on flank. white; aninconspicuouswhite band butnotblackor tips ofmostfinsdusky Brownish-grey above, white below; Colour ve, fintipsdusky, butnotblack NT LL 05/09/2014 14:28 CCG 37 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus galapagensis CCG Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A low interdorsal ridge. pectoral fins large and semifalcate, with narrowly dorsal fin moderately high, free-rear tip short. Origin of second dorsal fin rounded or pointed apices. First dorsal fin moderately large, with short rear about over anal fin origin. Snout moderately long and broadly rounded. Fin tip. Origin of first dorsal fin about opposite mid-point of pectoral fins. Second tips dusky, but not black or white.

First dorsal fin nearer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & semifalcate midpoint of pectorals inner margin low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

fairly slender origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark over anal fin origin

first dorsal fin origin first dorsal fin moderately high over/ just forward of pectoral fins free rear tip low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

slender to origin of second dorsal about moderately stout Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark over anal fin origin

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & curved midpoint of pectorals inner margin prominent, broad interdorsal ridge

snout bluntly pointed to rounded

adults stout origin of second dorsal slightly bodied Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark forward of anal fin origin

first dorsal fin origin over/ first dorsal fin high & semifalcate forward of pectoral fins insertion low, narrow interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded or broadly parabolic

stout bodied Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark origin of second dorsal over or slightly forward to anal fin origin 38

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 38 05/09/2014 14:28 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 39 Tooth counts: upperjaw 27–32,lower jaw 27–33. Dentition (Poey, 1861) Carcharhinus longimanus CARCHARHINIFORMES ● fin tipmottledwhite with rounded tip, Broad fins andlongpectoral ●

fin mottledwhite. with r First broad, dorsalfin very ounded tip, Teeth approximately size. actual . ● © NOAA Fisheries, USA broadly rounded attip. very firstdorsalfin finslongandpaddle-shaped; pectoral and lower tailfin;seconddorsalandanalfinsblack; first dorsal, pectoral, andpelvic fins, andattipofupper prominent white fintipson shark, Large stocky-bodied Description Pelvic fintipsmottledwhite. Oceanic Whitetip Shark Oceanic Whitetip Requin Océanique Requin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks ● Juvenile. ● Interdorsal ridge ● fin tipmottledblack. rounded tip, dorsalfinwith Second ●

Juvenile pelvicfintipsare black. ● fin tipsmottledwhite. Caudal finlarge, Birth size: ??–??cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 350cmormore. Females mature: 175–200cm. mature:Males 168–198cm. Size specimens lessthan1.5m TL. oncaudalpedunclein saddle-marks black tipsonsomefinsand Juveniles similar incolour, butwith Colour ● Juvenile blacksaddle-mark. ● Anal fintipblack. ● VU

black onedges. fin tipswithsome Juvenile caudal LL 05/09/2014 14:28 OCS 39 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Most fin tips mottled white in adults Carcharhinus longimanus OCS Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic Whitetip Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES No other Carcharhinus species has the combination of white mottled fins, and the first dorsal and pectorals in all other Carcharinus species are usually pointed or tapered posteriorly.

First dorsal fin nearer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin over pectoral and first dorsal fins very pectoral rear tips broad distally broadly rounded tips mottled white in adults

snout broad

second dorsal and anal fins black-tipped second dorsal origin ahead of Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic Whitetip Shark anal origin

first dorsal fin origin over pectoral and first dorsal fins tapering or slightly anterior to distally with striking whitetips and pectoral rear tips posterior fin edges

snout broadly rounded

anal fin with white posterior edges second dorsal origin over/ Carcharhinus albimarginatus Silvertip Shark slightly behind anal origin

first dorsal fin origin behind pectoral and first dorsal fins tapering pectoral rear tips distally with no distinct markings, pectoral fin tips often dusky

snout narrowly rounded

second dorsal and anal fins dusky tipped second dorsal origin behind Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark anal origin 40

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 40 05/09/2014 14:28 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 41 ● Tooth counts: upperjaw 29–33,lower jaw 27–32. cusped. without cusplets;lower teeth erectandnarrow- anterolateral serrated teeth semioblique-cusped Upper teeth withtriangular, ratherlow, erectand Dentition (Lesueur, 1818) Carcharhinus obscurus CARCHARHINIFORMES

broadly rounded. and short Snout fairly ●

anterior to thepectoral free rear tips. Origin offirstdorsalfinusually ov Teeth approximately size. actual er orslightly © Clinton Duffy (Dept of Conservation, New © Clinton of (Dept Zealand) Duffy Conservation, onfins. low second dorsal, andnoconspicuousmarkings firstdorsal;asmall, fins; a moderate-sized pectoral curved broadly rounded snout;alow interdorsal large, ridge; A large, short withafairly slenderto shark heavy-bodied Description Dusky Shark Dusky Requin deSable Requin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks ●

narrowly rounded orpointed apices. Pectoral finslarge andcurv ●

First andsemifalcate dorsalfinmoderate-sized margin curving ventrally frommargin finapex. curving pointed ornarrowly rounded apexandposterior ●

A low interdorsal ridge. ed, with ●

about overabout analfinorigin Origin ofseconddorsal ●

Grey with no conspicuous markings onbody.Grey withnoconspicuousmarkings , with . ●

Birth size: 70–100cm. Birth size:Maximum 400cm. Females mature: 255–300cm. mature:Males 280–290cm. Size on flank. white. Aninconspicuouswhite band butnotblackor Tips ofmost finsdusky Colour small andlow. dorsalfin Second VU LL 05/09/2014 14:28 DUS 41 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus obscurus DUS Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A low interdorsal ridge. First dorsal fin moderate-sized and semifalcate, with free rear tips. Second dorsal fin small and low. Origin of second dorsal about pointed or narrowly rounded apex and posterior margin curving ventrally from over anal fin origin. Snout fairly short and broadly rounded. fin apex. Origin of first dorsal fin usually over or slightly anterior to the pectoral

First dorsal fin nearer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin first dorsal fin moderately high over/ just forward of pectoral fins free rear tip low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

slender to origin of second dorsal about moderately stout Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark over anal origin

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & semifalcate midpoint of pectorals inner margin low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

fairly slender origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark over anal origin

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & curved midpoint of pectorals inner margin prominent, broad interdorsal ridge

snout bluntly pointed to rounded

adults stout origin of second dorsal slightly bodied Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark forward of anal origin

first dorsal fin origin over/ first dorsal fin high & semifalcate forward of pectoral fins insertion low, narrow interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded or broadly parabolic

stout bodied Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark origin of second dorsal over or slightly forward to anal origin 42

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 42 05/09/2014 14:29 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 43 ● Tooth counts: upperjaw 27–32,lower jaw 25–32. upperteeth serrated withoutcusplets triangular Upper andlower jaw broad- andhigh-cusped, Dentition (Nardo, 1827) Carcharhinus plumbeus CARCHARHINIFORMES rounded orbroadly parabolic. andbroadly Snout short ● anterior t anterior Origin offirstdorsalfin over orslightly o pectoral insertions. o pectoral Teeth approximately size. actual ● © NOAA Fisheries, USA onfins. rear tip,a short andnoconspicuousmarkings large fins,ridge; pectoral amoderately large dorsalfinwith anarrow interdorsal toor anterior insertions; thepectoral origin firstdorsalfinwithits talltriangular extremely over roundedA medium-sizedsnout;an grey withshort shark Description Sandbar Shark Sandbar Requin Gris Requin Carcharhinidae: Requiemsharks narrowly rounded orpointed apices. Pectoral finslarge, semifalcate ● margin curving ventrally frommargin finapex. curving point First large andsemifalcate, dorsalfin with very ● ed ornarrowly rounded apexandposterior

A narrow interdorsal pr ridge , with ● slightly anterior t slightly anterior Origin ofseconddorsalover or ● except aninconspicuouswhite bandonflank. Grey-brown above esent. o analorigin. Birth size: 55–75cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 300cm. Females mature 145–185cm. mature:Males 130–180cm. Size inconspicuous white bandonflank. an but noconspicuousmarkings; dusky, edgesoffinsoften and posterior Grey-brown tips above, white below; Colour , with no conspicuous markings , withnoconspicuousmarkings ● Second dorsalfinmoderatelySecond high. VU LL 05/09/2014 14:29 CCP 43 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharhinus plumbeus CCP Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A narrow interdorsal ridge present. Pectoral fins large. First dorsal fin very large second dorsal over or slightly anterior to anal origin. Snout short and broadly with curving ventrally from fin apex. Origin of first dorsal fin over or slightly rounded or broadly parabolic. anterior to pectoral insertions. Second dorsal fin moderately high. Origin of

First dorsal fin nearer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin over/ first dorsal fin high & semifalcate forward of pectoral fins insertion low, narrow interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded or broadly parabolic

stout bodied Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark origin of second dorsal over or slightly forward to anal origin

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & curved midpoint of pectorals inner margin prominent, broad interdorsal ridge

snout bluntly pointed to rounded

adults stout origin of second dorsal slightly bodied Carcharhinus altimus Bignose Shark forward of anal origin

first dorsal fin origin about first dorsal fin moderately high & semifalcate midpoint of pectorals inner margin low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

fairly slender origin of second dorsal about Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos Shark over anal origin

first dorsal fin origin first dorsal fin moderately high over/ just forward of pectoral fins free rear tip low interdorsal ridge

snout broadly rounded

slender to origin of second dorsal about moderately stout Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark over anal origin 44

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 44 05/09/2014 14:29