Fascinating Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) hunting for prey in front of Shark Beach on Walker´s Cay (00020576)

Description: The Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is an imposing predator that prowls for prey in the shallow waters of Shark Beach on Walker´s Cay in the Bahamas. Alongside the Tiger Shark and the Great White Shark, the Bull Shark is considered one of the 'dangerous sharks'. It often lingers close to the shore and in river estuaries. Here, in the shallows, underwater visibility is severely limited by sand swirls, even in low swells. In estuaries where fresh and saltwater mix, visibility is always poor. During my three-year stay in Richards Bay/Zululand/Natal, I heard numerous stories of encounters with the Zambezi Shark, as the Bull Shark is known in that region. A unique trait of the Bull Shark is its ability to survive in freshwater. Found in Africa, Central America, and South America, it ventures deep into lakes and rivers (Zambezi, Mississippi, Amazon, Nicaragua, and Lake Ysabel). A robust heavyweight (reaching lengths of up to 3.5 meters and weighing over 200 kilograms), the Bull Shark inhabits tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Known for its short flight distance, it approaches divers boldly and directly. Bull Sharks prey on mollusks, rays, crustaceans, bony fish, and even other sharks.

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

Date of Capture: 16.02.2001