Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitecheek shark (Carcharhinus dussumieri) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 121 cm.
Description
The whitecheek shark is a small requiem shark from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf to Japan and Indonesia. The species grows to about 120 cm and has a streamlined, grey body with a conspicuous black blotch on the second dorsal fin. As a coastal dweller it lives over the continental shelf to about 100 metres depth and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. It bears live young. The species is not considered dangerous, but as a shark it can bite when handled. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitecheek shark?
The Whitecheek shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Grey requiem shark with a black blotch on the second dorsal fin; ovoviviparous
Where does the Whitecheek shark live?
The Whitecheek shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Whitecheek shark get?
The Whitecheek shark grows to a maximum of about 121 cm.
Is the Whitecheek shark dangerous to humans?
The Whitecheek shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A small shark that is normally not dangerous but can bite when caught or handled. Clean any bite wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help for a deep wound.
Is the Whitecheek shark edible?
The Whitecheek shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Whitecheek shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.