Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Phylum

Chordata

 Copper Shark

Class

Chondrichthyes

Order

Carcharhiniformes

Family

Carcharhinidae

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common names :

Copper shark, Bronze whaler, New Zealand whaler, Cocktail shark.
Diet : Small to large fish, rays, sawfish, squid and dogfish.
Reproduction : Viviparous : Females give birth to between 13 and 20 live young per litter. Sexual maturity is reached after 5 years at a size of 2.4 metres for females and 2+ metres for males. 
Size : Maximum 3 metres  Average female 2.6 metres Average male 2.3 metres

 

Distribution of Copper Shark Distribution : Very common in tropical and sub-tropical waters. Usually found  close inshore around the surf line, reefs  and shallow bays. Can also be found in deeper waters, especially near ocean islands.

 

Danger to man : Very dangerous. Has attacked swimmers.
Economic Importance : Fished recreationally in some areas.
Other Comments : Known to migrate north in summer and south in winter.