AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Carcharhinus falciformis
Silky Shark
(Bibron, 1839)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, medium-to-large shark with a smooth, silk-like skin texture, a relatively small first dorsal fin, and a long, rounded snout.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carcharhiniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Carcharhinidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Carcharhinus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bibron, 1839)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Primarily pelagic, found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, usually near the edge of continental shelves and around islands.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active, fast-moving, and inquisitive predator that often investigates foreign objects.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Often forms groups, especially when congregating around floating debris or prey schools.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active pelagic predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds primarily on schooling fish (tuna, sardines), cephalopods, and occasionally crustaceans.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous with placental yolk-sac; females give birth to live young after a gestation period of about 12 months.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
180.0 - 330.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30.00 kg - 200.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.6 - 15
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 8 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females12 - 17 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller on average than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach larger maximum sizes and are more robust.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a very dense covering of dermal denticles, creating its signature smooth, silk-like skin surface.
Highly inquisitive and often associates with schools of tuna and floating objects in the open ocean.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
One of the most heavily exploited shark species, primarily due to the high demand for their large fins in the shark fin trade.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are known to exhibit sophisticated social behaviors, including intricate investigative interactions with divers.