The Bull Shark is a species that has for a long time confused scientists with their unique ability to swim from Salt Water into Fresh Water and exist as far as 2000 miles up stream in some major rivers. It is not know whether the sharks reside permanently in the fresh water or they migrate too and from the ocean. The Bull Shark is fairly large in size and known to be one of the top 4 sharks responsible for attacks on humans. Bull sharks can be territorial and aggressive and tend to swim mainly in shallow waters which therefore regularly bring them into contact with humans. The Bull Shark has a grey-silvery back with a white underside. Its nose is short and round and body is stocky and very powerful looking. Bull Sharks are born with black tips on the fins but the black fades with maturity. A Bull shark’s teeth are serrated and these teeth enable it to even saw through a turtle shell and bone.

 

The Bull Shark is potentially a dangerous shark. They are very inquisitive and will most likely show interest in you if you are diving in their waters.

 

The Bull Shark is most commonly present in Sub-tropical to tropical waters along the coasts of South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Burma, The Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Costa Rica & the Bahamas. The Bull Sharks are mostly common in shallow waters in lagoons, bays and along beaches and are found mostly in waters no deeper than 30m / 98ft. The female gives birth to approximately 13 pups max and they are approximately 60cm / 24in in length and grow up to 3.4m / 11ft. The females grow much larger than males.

 

 

It is not uncommon to see up to four different shark species on a dive. Sadly we do not experience the thrill of descending on 20 Zambezi's anymore. The shark populations have been decimated by foreign trawlers and local sport fishing charters. Nonetheless it is still an amazing dive site that will alter your outlook on sharks forever!

 

 

 

Zambezi Shark, Lake Nicaragua Shark, Cub Shark, Shovelnose Shark, Freshwater Whaler, River Whaler, Swan River Whaler

 

 

 

A Bull Shark’s diet consists of mainly bony fish, turtles, sea birds, Dolphins and marine mammals.

 

 

 

Bull Sharks can grow over 4m / 13 ft as personally witnessed at Bassas Da India Atoll

 

 

Danger to Humans

 

High risk

Bull Sharks are considered high risk and are considered as one of the top four sharks responsible for attacks on humans. Not only do they exist in the ocean but travel far up rivers. Attacks are known to have happened in many rivers throughout the world. Many attacks in the past were attributed to White Sharks but researchers now are looking at the Bull Shark as the main culprit of many attacks. As with the Tiger Shark, it is all about how you are around them as with most animals. Many divers interact with these sharks daily in South Africa and even though the dives are un-nerving at times there have not been any incidents.