Introduction
The Dusky Shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a species of requiem shark, belonging to the family Carcharhinidae.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Dusky Shark as “Endangered”. Conservation efforts are predominantly focused on regulating fishing activities, especially where the Dusky shark is often a bycatch.
Statistics
| Statistic | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3.2 m (10 ft) | 3-4.2 m (10-14 ft) |
| Weight | 160 kg (350 lb) | 159-184 kg (350-405 lb) |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 40 years |
Distribution
Dusky Sharks are found worldwide in tropical and temperate seas, most commonly off the coasts of South Africa, Mozambique, Australia, New Zealand and more. They usually migrate seasonally toward the equator to evade cooler waters.
Habitats
This species prefers water types that range from coastal to offshore, often found in depths from the surface to 400 meters. The temperature range of their habitat is large, varying from cold with the influence of upwelling to subtropical conditions.
When and Where to See
Dusky Sharks are most often seen in summer and early fall in temperate waters. They are typically most active during the twilight hours, at dawn and dusk.
Best Fishing Locations
Popular locations to sight or catch Dusky Sharks include the Outer banks of North Carolina, Gulf of Mexico, waters around New Zealand, as well as the coasts of South Africa and Western Australia. The general tip in locating these sharks is to look for warmer water regions with abundant food supply.
How to Catch
The Dusky Shark often falls for bait such as small pelagic or demersal fishes. Fishing techniques predominantly include baited hooks. The best time to fish for them is usually at dusk or dawn in the late summer or early fall.
Identification Guide
The Dusky Shark can be identified by its color, which is usually bluish or dark gray dorsal and white on its ventral side. Adults exhibit a distinct, broadly rounded snout and long sickle-shaped pectoral fins.
Culinary
The Dusky Shark is not a popular choice for consumption due to high mercury content. However, its fins are utilized in some region’s shark-fin soup.
Additional Information
The Dusky Shark is known for its slow growth and late sexual maturity, usually around 20 years for females. They feed on bony fishes, squids while the larger ones also eat rays and smaller sharks. Predators and threats include larger sharks, killer whales, and especially humans due to commercial and recreational fishing. The Dusky Shark’s distinct fin shape and powerful movements are often depicted in traditional Polynesian tattoos.