Carcharhinus plumbeus
2.1m
0-500m
130 sites
Carcharhinidae
Encountering a Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a thrilling experience for any diver. These sharks, also known as brown sharks, are often found cruising along the seafloor in depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to around 500 meters. While they aren't frequently seen at specific dive sites, their broad distribution means lucky divers in the North and South Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Southern Australia may spot one. Reaching up to 3 meters in length, the Sandbar Shark is a robust, impressive animal. Their preference for benthopelagic habitats means you're most likely to see them near the bottom, possibly hunting for fish, crustaceans, or mollusks. Keep your eyes peeled – a glimpse of this powerful predator is a dive to remember!
Sandbar Sharks are easily identifiable by their high, triangular dorsal fin, which is significantly larger than their second dorsal fin. They have a stout body shape and a moderately long, rounded snout. Their coloration is typically a grey-brown dorsally, fading to a lighter off-white on their underside, providing excellent camouflage. Look for their distinctive interdorsal ridge running along their back between the two dorsal fins.
Whitetip Reef Shark
112 sites
