AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Carcharhinus plumbeus
Sandbar Shark
(Nardo, 1827)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust shark with a very high, triangular first dorsal fin located above the pectoral fin origin; light grey or brownish-grey back with a white underside.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.(Nardo, 1827)
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
Commonly found in coastal waters, harbors, and estuaries, often over sandbars or muddy bottoms; nursery areas are crucial for juveniles.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly demersal; they patrol the sea floor, often swimming against currents to detect prey scents.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Segregated by sex and size; they often form social groups, especially when migrating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic benthic carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on a wide range of bottom-dwelling prey, including small sharks, rays, crabs, shrimp, and various bony fishes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta; females return to specific, shallower coastal areas to give birth.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
180.0 - 250.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
40.00 kg - 115.00 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 - 12
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.
10 - 15 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
8 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females12 - 18 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller than females and possess external claspers.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and grow more slowly, achieving sexual maturity at a later age.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Equipped with large, serrated upper teeth for gripping and cutting prey in shallow, often murky, coastal environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow maturation rate and reliance on coastal nursery areas, which are prone to degradation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Juvenile sandbar sharks demonstrate a remarkable site fidelity to their natal nursery grounds, returning to these areas as they mature.