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Updated 3/26/2023

Sharks

Many shark species occur in Hawai'i but few inhabit shallow reefs where they may be observed by divers with any regularity.  They move through the water gracefully and are an impressive sight not easily forgotten.  Encounters are usually brief as sharks are cautious and prefer to flee rather than be confronted by a large unfamiliar creature.  They play an important role as apex predators that help maintain balance in marine ecosystems.  Unfortunately sharks worldwide have been over-exploited and are much more difficult to find.

Sharks are primitive fishes with cartilaginous skeletons instead of bone.  Most give birth to fully-developed young, few lay eggs on the seafloor.  The jaws are lined with rows of developing teeth behind those in use for quick replacement.  The tough leathery skin is protected by tiny scales called denticles with the same structure as teeth.  Shark senses are bolstered by electro-reception, a system that detects electrical fields produced by animals.  This system incorporates a network of gel-filled pits on the head called the ampullae of Lorenzini.  Rays and skates are basically sharks with bodies designed for their role.

Contrary to popular belief, shark attacks are extremely rare and usually survivable.  Most are the result of the animal mistaking a person as prey under conditions where positive identification is difficult.  This risk is minimized by swimming slowly and calmly with a buddy in clear water during the day, and avoiding areas where prey congregate such as harbors and rivermouths.

 

HAWAII / CIRCUMTROPICAL

Carcharhinus galapagensis

GALAPAGOS SHARK

 

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

GRAY REEF SHARK

 

Carcharhinus melanopterus

BLACKTIP REEF SHARK

 

Carcharhinus limbatus

PELAGIC BLACKTIP SHARK

 

Carcharhinus altimus

BIGNOSE SHARK

 

Carcharhinus plumbeus

SANDBAR SHARK

 

Carcharhinus falciformis

SILKY SHARK

Galeocerdo cuvier

TIGER SHARK

 

Triaenodon obesus

WHITETIP REEF SHARK

 
Carcharhinus longimanus

OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK

 

Prionace glauca

BLUE SHARK

 

Sphyrna lewini

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD SHARK

 

Alopias pelagicus

PELAGIC THRESHER SHARK

 

Rhincodon typus

WHALE SHARK

 

Isurus spp.

MAKO SHARK

 

Carcharodon carcharias

GREAT WHITE SHARK    Niuhi

Isistius brasiliensis

COOKIE-CUTTER SHARK

 


CIRCUMTROPICAL (excluding Hawaii)

Carcharhinus leucas

BULL SHARK

 

 

INDO-PACIFIC

Stegostoma tigrinum

ZEBRA SHARK

 

Nebrius ferrugineus

TAWNY NURSE SHARK

Negaprion acutidens

SICKLEFIN LEMON SHARK

 

 
   

JAPAN

Triakis scyllium

BANDED HOUNDSHARK

 

 

NORTH PACIFIC

Lamna ditropis

SALMON SHARK

 

Hexanchus griseus

BLUNTNOSE SIXGILL SHARK


WESTERN ATLANTIC

Carcharhinus perezi

CARIBBEAN REEF SHARK

 

Ginglymostoma cirratum

NURSE SHARK

Negaprion brevirostris

LEMON SHARK