Fin's Fish Guide
The Night shark (Carcharhinus signatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 280 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and over the slope and seamounts, usually in deeper water.
Description
The night shark is a slender requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae reaching about 2.8 metres. The grey-brown, streamlined body has a long, pointed snout and conspicuously large eyes with a greenish sheen, an adaptation to its nocturnal life in deep water. The species lives in the Atlantic on both sides, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and over the slope and seamounts. By day it stays in deeper water; at night it moves higher in the water column to hunt small schooling fish, squid and crustaceans. It is viviparous. Through fishing and bycatch the species has declined and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Night shark?
The Night shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender requiem shark with a long, pointed snout and large, greenish-shining eyes; a deep-water species that moves into shallower water at night.
Where does the Night shark live?
The Night shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and over the slope and seamounts, usually in deeper water.
How big does the Night shark get?
The Night shark grows to a maximum of about 280 cm. On average the species is around 200 cm.
Is the Night shark dangerous to humans?
The Night shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a large predatory shark with sharp teeth: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the Night shark edible?
The Night shark is rarely eaten.
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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
Want the complete picture on the Night shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Night shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.