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 obscurus
Dusky Shark
(Lesueur, 1818)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, slender shark with a broadly rounded snout, a low triangular first dorsal fin, and a dark grey or bronze dorsal coloration 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.(Lesueur, 1818)
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
Inhabits temperate and tropical waters worldwide, from coastal zones to the open ocean, often found at depths of up to 400 meters.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A generalist apex predator; social structure varies, often congregating by age and sex during migrations.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary but shows gregarious behavior, especially during long-distance seasonal migrations.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Apex opportunistic carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on a wide variety of teleost fishes, other sharks, rays, cephalopods, and occasionally marine mammals and carrion.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta; long gestation periods are a hallmark of this species.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 420.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
50.00 kg - 350.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 16
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.
15 - 25 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 16
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 - 40 Years
Females20 - 50 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically smaller than females and possess external claspers for internal fertilization.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally larger, growing to reach sexual maturity later in life.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly migratory behavior allows it to track seasonal food sources across vast ocean distances.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severely threatened by overfishing, high demand for fins in international markets, and slow reproductive rates.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Dusky sharks are known for their incredibly slow growth rates and longevity, making them exceptionally vulnerable to population collapse.