Bronze Whaler

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

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.