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Bronze Whaler
CarcharhiniformesAttack Relevant

Bronze Whaler

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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Max Length

3.3m

Overview

Also called the copper shark. The only predominantly temperate-water Carcharhinus. Forms large seasonal aggregations during sardine and yellowtail migrations off South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Habitat

Often seen close inshore feeding on schooling fish, frequently within the surf zone. It is also found around offshore islands over deep water and to depths of 100 m.

Distribution

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

Warm temperate to subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indo Pacific. It is seasonally migratory in at least part of its range. Along the coast of southern Africa it follows the giant shoals of migrating sardines.

Behavior

This is an active fast-moving shark, and it can leap out of the water.

Human Safety

This species has been implicated in bites to humans, particularly spearfishermen.

Biology

Diet
Feeds on pelagic, shoaling and bottom bony fishes, cephalopods, smaller sharks, and rays.
Reproduction
Viviparous; females nourish embryos with a yolk-sac placenta and give birth to live young
Male Maturity
2.3m

Appearance

Bronze Whaler illustration
Dorsal
Olive grey to bronze above, white below, most fins with dusky edges. Its flanks have a pale blaze from below the dorsal fin to the tail.

Dentition

Upper jaw
The upper teeth have a distinct outwardly hooked shape.
Sources:sharksorg

Recorded incidents involving the bronze whaler

Recorded

77

Fatal

4

Fatality rate

5.2%

Years

1955–2026

Top countries

Years with most incidents

Counts are based on the species field of the Global Shark Attack File. Identifications by witnesses are often uncertain; treat figures as recorded incidents, not authoritative totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks have been recorded involving the bronze whaler?
77 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the bronze whaler, of which 4 were fatal (5.2%). Note that witness species identifications are often uncertain, so this is the count of recorded incidents.
Where do most bronze whaler incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded bronze whaler incidents are Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea.
Is the bronze whaler dangerous to humans?
The bronze whaler is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.
Where does this species data come from?
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.
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