Bull Shark

Bull Shark Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Scientific Name: Carcharhinus Leucas
Type: Fish
Diet: Carnivore
Size (L): 2.1m - 3.5m (7ft - 11.5ft)
Weight: 90kg - 230kg (200lbs - 500lbs)
Top Speed: 40km/h (25mph)
Lifespan: 16 - 25 years
Lifestyle: Solitary
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Blue, Grey
Skin Type: Scales
Favourite Food: Fish
Habitat: Shallow and tropical waters
Average Litter Size: 10
Main Prey: Fish, Sharks, Stingray
Predators: Human, Tiger sharks
Distinctive Features: Flat, rounded snout and two dorsal fins

Bull sharks are mainly found in the warmer and shallower coastal waters of the southern hemisphere. The bull shark is one of the most common species of shark found worldwide.

The bull shark is able to inhabit both salt and freshwater sources just as happily, with one bull shark known to have swum 4,000 km up the Amazon River in South America, finally ending up in mountainous Peru.

The bull shark is well known for its unpredictable and aggressive temperament and is thought to be one of the most dangerous sharks towards humans. This is probably because the bull inhabits coastal waters and rivers and is therefore more likely to come into contact with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

The bull shark is an effective and dominant predator in its environment and so has no real natural predator itself. Bull sharks are occasionally hunted by the bigger shark species such as the tiger shark and the infamous great white shark.