Characteristics Of The Gray Shark
The gray shark, or reef shark, is a medium-sized species that lives mainly in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its white dorsal fin is one of its distinctive features, as well as the white tips that we see on almost all of its fins.
In addition, this beautiful aquatic animal stands out for its well-developed sense of smell, which makes it a powerful hunter. Here are the main characteristics, habitat and lifestyle of gray sharks.
Gray shark: taxonomy and physical traits
Sharks, also known as sharks, belong to a superorder of the animal kingdom called Selachimorpha. In it, we find various species of large cartilaginous fish (chondrichthyans) that usually establish themselves as the top predators of their habitats.
At present, more than 300 species of sharks have already been identified and classified in the seas and oceans of our planet. One of the most interesting species is the gray shark, in addition to the well-known white.
The gray shark is in the order Carcharhiniformes, which comprises the largest number of known shark species. In that order, the gray shark appears as a medium and relatively harmless species.
The body of this animal has an average length of 2.5 meters and a weight close to 25 kilos, although some male specimens in adulthood can reach 2.55 meters and up to 30 kilos. However, in its territory, the gray shark appears as one of the largest and most powerful species.
As its name suggests, its body coloration is mostly gray, but its lower portion is white. Its appearance is similar to that of the black reef shark, but the latter shows the first dorsal fin in black.
Already in gray sharks we find the white dorsal fin, with darker edges. Also its tail fin allows it to be differentiated from other species, thanks to its prominent black margin.
Natural habitat
Gray sharks find the optimal conditions for their development in warm, shallow waters. For this reason, they tend to inhabit large coral reefs or atolls, mainly at depths of 200 to 800 meters.
At present, this is the most abundant shark species in the Indo-Pacific bathed regions. Its population is distributed throughout much of the Pacific Ocean, from the Red Sea to Easter Island.
Behavior of gray sharks
Although the term ‘shark’ may cause fear in many people, many species can be harmless. Gray sharks, for example, tend to surprise by their high level of sociability.
In their natural habitat it is common to see these animals form large colonies where more than 100 individuals can live together. The largest schools can be seen in regions with strong ocean currents.
With some frequency, we can observe how the gray shark shows its natural curiosity when exploring its environment. These sharks often dive and dive together to investigate their surroundings and entertain themselves. Although they can be found on tourist coasts, reports of attacks on human beings are rare.
It is a very active species, of which we observe activity both during the day and at night. In schools, gray sharks establish a hierarchical social structure to ensure the survival of all individuals.
As for its longevity, its life expectancy is usually around 25 years, and can vary according to the conditions of its environment. As we can see, it is a long time for a marine animal.
Food and hunting habits
The gray shark is a carnivorous fish, whose diet includes bony fish, squid, octopus, lobsters, shrimp, and crabs. Their powerful sense of smell and great agility when swimming make these sharks excellent aquatic hunters.
Most commonly, sharks attack large schools of bony fish in groups that are concentrated on the reefs. However, it is also possible to see them chase their prey alone on some occasions.
Reproduction and conservation status of the gray shark
The gray shark is a species of viviparous animal. That is, the fertilized eggs develop inside the female body and, from there, their life cycle begins.
The mating season occurs twice a year, when males and females from the same colony or from different schools get together to copulate. After a pregnancy, which usually lasts between 9 and 14 months, each female can give birth between one and six young.
Unfortunately, the gray shark is one of the species listed as ‘near threatened’ today. Commercial fishing for the manufacture of fishmeal and shark fin soup threatens the survival of this species.
