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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Carcharhinus leucas
Bull Shark
Müller & Henle, 1839
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Robust shark with a massive body, short and rounded snout, and a reputation for aggression due to its presence in coastal waters and estuaries.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Müller & Henle, 1839
Record Completeness
94%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
Euryhaline species capable of inhabiting both marine environments and freshwater rivers and lakes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active predator during both day and night.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Primarily solitary, although congregates in feeding areas.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic hunter of fish, other sharks, and mammals.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Top predator of coastal and riverine systems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Placental viviparous; uses rivers and estuaries as nursery areas.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
70.0 - 350.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
90.00 kg - 230.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 13
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.
8 - 12 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
300 - 365
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 Years
Females15 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males reach maturity at a smaller size than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females are significantly larger and heavier.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized kidneys and rectal glands that allow osmotic regulation when moving from saltwater to freshwater.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Alteration of estuaries and rivers, overfishing, and loss of coastal nursery habitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is one of the few sharks that can travel up rivers thousands of kilometers away from the sea.