Fin's Fish Guide
The Bay-shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 420 cm.
Description
The dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a large requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae occurring worldwide in warm seas. The species has a slender, streamlined, bronze-grey body that can reach several metres. It lives in coastal and shelf waters, but not in the open ocean; adults often stay between 200 and 400 metres deep, young in shallower water. As an apex predator it hunts fishes, rays, smaller sharks and squid. The species grows very slowly and reproduces late, so that fishing for fins and flesh has severely reduced it and it is considered Endangered (EN). Large individuals can be dangerous to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bay-shark?
The Bay-shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slow-growing apex predator; heavily fished for its fins and meat and critically endangered (EN).
Where does the Bay-shark live?
The Bay-shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Warm coastal and shelf waters worldwide.
How big does the Bay-shark get?
The Bay-shark grows to a maximum of about 420 cm. On average the species is around 250 cm.
Is the Bay-shark dangerous to humans?
The Bay-shark can cause injury; handle it with care. A bite from a large dusky shark can cause very serious, lacerating wounds with major blood loss. Get the victim out of the water immediately, control bleeding with firm pressure and/or a pressure bandage, elevate the limb and call emergency services; treat for shock and hypothermia.
Is the Bay-shark edible?
Yes, the Bay-shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bay-shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carcharhinus
More from the family Carcharhinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bay-shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.