The Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a member of the elasmobranch family of sharks called Carcharhinidae, also called ‘Requiem Sharks’. This species is also commonly referred to as the ‘Thickskin’ or ‘Brown’ shark. It can be found occurring in tropical to temperate waters throughout the world and is generally seen in shallow coastal waters and around the reefs of offshore coastal islands.
This species is closely related to the bronze whaler, dusky whaler and bull shark. It can be easily recognised by its high triangular dorsal fin and its grey coloured body that can have a bluish tinge. Sandbar sharks are generally solitary however they can occasionally be encountered in small groups. They are most active at night as this is when they hunt for food. Sandbar sharks are viviparous with the embryos being supported in placental yolk sac inside the mother. The female reproduces every two years and they give birth to 8 to 10 young whilst carrying the young for one year before birth. The Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) grows to a maximum length of 2.4m.
This photo of the Sandbar Shark was taken by Peter Hitchins from South West Rocks Dive Centre (www.fishrockcave.com.au).
