Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-tipped whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 325 cm.
Temperate coastal waters worldwide; continental and insular coasts, surf zone to offshore.
Description
The copper shark or bronze whaler is a large requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae from temperate coastal waters worldwide. The species grows to about 3.25 metres and has a slender, copper-brown to bronze-shining body with a white belly. It lives along continental and insular coasts, from the surf to offshore waters, and migrates with the seasons and prey schools. As a fast predator it hunts schooling fishes such as sardines and squid, often in groups. Reproduction is viviparous. The copper shark is a large shark regarded as potentially dangerous to humans and has been involved in a few attacks; owing to fishing it is listed as Vulnerable (VU). Keep your distance and handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-tipped whaler?
The Black-tipped whaler has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Copper-brown to bronze sheen; large, migratory coastal shark, potentially dangerous and vulnerable (VU).
Where does the Black-tipped whaler live?
The Black-tipped whaler lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate coastal waters worldwide; continental and insular coasts, surf zone to offshore.
How big does the Black-tipped whaler get?
The Black-tipped whaler grows to a maximum of about 325 cm.
Is the Black-tipped whaler dangerous to humans?
The Black-tipped whaler can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but a large shark with sharp teeth regarded as potentially dangerous to humans; keep your distance and handle a caught or hooked shark with extreme care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care.
Is the Black-tipped whaler edible?
Yes, the Black-tipped whaler is commonly eaten.
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Easily confused with
These species look like the Black-tipped whaler 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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