Carcharhinus leucas

Order: Carchariniformes

Named for its stout appearance and aggressive reputation, the bull shark is one of the most common large sharks around the world. Although it is principally a marine species, it is famous for its fondness for freshwater, and is often found in rivers and estuaries and even occurs in some lakes in Central America. Bull sharks have been found over 3000km up both the Amazon and Mississippi rivers.

Bull sharks feed mostly on fish, including other sharks, but they are known to attack humans and are suspected of involvement in many fatal encounters. Because of their habitual forays into river mouths and harbours, they are more likely to be encountered by people than most other dangerous shark species and are regarded as a serious threat in many parts of the world.

Maximum size: 3.5 metres/230kg

Distribution: Tropical and subtropical coastal waters everywhere, from western Australia to Brazil.

Diet: Mostly fish, including other sharks. Bull sharks have been known to feed on turtles, dolphins, seabirds and even dogs.

Reproduction: Viviparous. Litters of between one and 13 young.