C+galapagensis



Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - CHONDRICHTHYE Order - CARCHARHINIFORME Family - CARCHARHINIDAE

2003
 * Year Assessed:**

It is classified globally as Near Threatened (just failing to meet Vulnerable A2acd) because populations at many of these sites may be subject to high levels of fishing pressure. There is considerable potential to cause severe local declines in the number of mature individuals. Evidence of such reductions exists for this species around the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Continued fishing pressures throughout its range will result in further declines and populations require monitoring.
 * Justification:**

They are found in the eastern Atlantic, western Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar, and the western Pacific.
 * Location of Ecosystem:**

Temp ranges between 25-28.5 (C°) Salinity ranges between 33-35 (PPS)
 * Temp and Salinity of Pacific Ocean**:


 * The Galápagos shark is a common, tropical shark found inshore as well as offshore near insular or continental shelves between 39°N-33°S at depths of 180 meters.
 * The Galapagos Shark doesnt migrate but it travels up to 30 niles away from land and is capable of crossing the open ocean between islands. they are also known to congregate around sea mounts and rocky inlets.

unknown
 * Population Count**

Aleutian Current North Pacific Current (or North Pacific Drift) Humboldt Current (or Peru Current) Kuroshio Current (or Japan Current) Oyashio Current Mindanao Current North Equatorial Current South Equatorial Current Cromwell current
 * Pacific Ocean Currents:**


 * Physical Description**
 * This is a large shark  with a slender body and low inter-dorsal  ridge  between the first and second dorsal fins. The tall first dorsal fin originates over the posterior third of the pectoral fin  inner margin  . The snout of the Galapagos shark is broadly  rounded  . The long pelvic fins are straight with a  pointed tip.
 * The Galapagos shark has a brownish-gray upper body and white ventral  surface with or without dusky markings on the  fins  . A white colored  band  can sometimes be seen on the flanks.
 * Typically there are 14 teeth on either side of the symphysis  in each jaw with one  tooth  located at the symphysis. The upper teeth are triangular and relatively long, and the finely serrated lower teeth are  symmetrical  and erect.
 * The Galapagos reaches 12 feet in lenght maximum. males are usually 6-9.75 feet in length while females usualy are 7.2-8.2 feet.
 * The life span is about 24 years.
 * Reproduction**
 * Reproduction**

Mating and birth occurs early in the year in Hawaiian waters. Female individuals often have mating scars from males biting the fin s, gills, and body. After gestation, during which the embryos develop inside the mother, live birth results in a litter size of 4-16 pups. Each pup measures 24-31 inches in length. The pups stay in shallow waters to avoid larger members of their own species, eventually moving out to deeper waters as they mature.


 * Food Chain**
 * The only thing that eats the Galapagos shark are bigger Galapagos sharks.
 * The Galapagos shark primarily feeds on bottom dwelling fishes and also squid and octopuses. in the Galapagos islands they have been observed preying on poor sea lions and even MARINE IGUANAS.


 * Threats**


 * Harvesting
 * Persecution - Pest Control
 * The major threats come from long lining and bait fishing. The aggressive nature of this species together with the occupation of inshore tendencies put pressure to exterminate local populations.

http://zipcodezoo.com/animals/c/carcharhinus%5Fgalapagensis/#Biology http://www.iucnredlist.org/