Bull Shark

Overview

The bull shark is a robust, heavy-bodied requiem shark known for its adaptability to both marine and freshwater environments. It is frequently encountered in warm, shallow coastal waters around the globe, as well as in estuaries and river systems. Due to its presence in shallow areas and its strong predatory nature, it is among the few shark species known to interact regularly with humans.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters worldwide. Unlike most other sharks, the bull shark possesses specialized physiological adaptations allowing it to tolerate and navigate low-salinity and freshwater environments, enabling individuals to travel far up major river networks and enter lakes.

Appearance

Bull sharks feature a massive, sturdy physique with a short, broad, and blunt snout. Their eyes are relatively small, and their jaws contain triangular, saw-edged upper teeth designed for grasping and cutting prey. Their coloration typically consists of a grey upper body transitioning to a white underside, and they lack an interdorsal ridge.

Biology & behavior

Known for being active and powerful swimmers, these sharks often display a solitary or loosely grouped disposition. Their physiological tolerance for varying salinity levels involves specialized mechanisms in their kidneys and rectal glands that regulate internal salt balances when transitioning between marine and freshwater habitats.