Not just Shark
Pictures: Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and
chimaera's from around the world. It began as a simple web based
field guide to help divers find the best places to encounter
different species of sharks and rays but it has slowly evolved into
a much larger project containing information on all aspects of shark
diving and photography. There are now more than a thousand shark
pictures and sections on shark evolution, biology, and
conservation. There is a large library of reviewed shark books, a
constantly outdated shark taxonomy page, a monster list of shark
links, and deeper in the site there are numerous articles and
stories about shark encounters. Elasmodiver is now so difficult to
check for updates, that new information and pictures are listed on
an Elasmodiver Updates Page that can be accessed here:
If you're looking for a
broader range of marine life pictures the following links represent
a new area that contains pictures on other marine organisms and on
marine habitats. This expansion of Elasmodiver is in its first
stages but will eventually include pages on everything from sea
stars to nudibranches. Creating this portal will take time and for
now it consists of a token offering of fish pictures. Please return
regularly to enjoy the progress.
Identification:
Long
rounded snout. First dorsal fin originates over pectoral axis. Dorsal
rounded with angled tip. Pectoral fins long with dusky tips on underside. Low
interdorsal ridge present. Second dorsal much smaller than first. Body fairly
monochrome greyish brown above and pale below.
Size:
Maximum
length 3m. 57
to 80cm at birth.
Habitat:
Prefers offshore islands, sea mounts, drop offs and vertical rocky or coral
reefs. To 180m depth.
Abundance
and distribution: Circumtropical.
Behavior:Known to exhibit a threat display of head swinging and exaggerated
swimming. Often found in loose aggregations. Feeds on reef creatures such as
moray eels and other reef fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Larger individuals
may hunt smaller elasmobranchs and where available also prey on pinnipeds
(Galapagos).
Reproduction:
Viviparous.
Litter size 6 - 16.
Observations:
Photographs:
East
Africa.
Similar species:
Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) First dorsal originates behind pectoral
axis. Snout broadly rounded. Prefers continental coastlines.
Reaction to divers:An
extremely inquisitive shark. May persistently circle divers. Respect should be
shown around this animal especially larger individuals, however smaller
Galapagos sharks may be especially bold occasionally charging divers.
Diving
logistics: Although
the Galapagos shark is known to occur around the world, it is commonly
encountered where it was first recorded at the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. The
shark watchers Handbook lists Gordon Rocks off the North coast of Santa Cruz to
be especially good.
Other diving locations submitted by
readers:
Further
reading:
Reef
Sharks and Rays of the World. Scott W. Michael. Sea Challengers.
Sharks
and Rays - Elasmobranch Guide of the World. Ralf M. Hennemann. IKAN.
The
Shark Watcher's Handbook - Mark Carwardine & Ken Watterson. Princeton
University Press.
