A Bull Shark patrols the shallow waters off Walker´s Cay (00003001)

Description: The Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is searching for food and its dorsal fin rises from the shallow waters off Walker´s Cay, the northernmost island of the Bahamas. This dangerous shark species belongs with the Tiger Shark and the Great White Shark to the 'dangerous sharks'. Bull sharks often inhabit shallow waters near the shore and in estuaries. Here in the shallow waters, underwater visibility is severely limited by sand swirls, even with low swell. In estuaries, where fresh and salt water mix, visibility is always poor. During my three-year stay in Richards Bay/Zululand/Natal, I heard of many accidents involving the Zambezi Shark, as the Bull Shark is called in this region. A peculiarity of the Bull Shark is that it can also survive in freshwater. In Africa, Central America, and South America, it is found far inland in lakes and rivers. The Bull Shark is a robust heavyweight (up to a length of 3.5 meters and a weight of over 200 kilograms) and is present in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It has a low flight distance and approaches a diver directly and confidently. Bull Sharks feed on mollusks, rays, crustaceans, bony fish, and other sharks.

Location: Walker´s Cay, Walker´s Cay/Shark beach, Bahamas

Date of Capture: 16.02.2001