Ganges shark

The Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus) is a rare species of fresh water shark that dwells in the Ganges River.

Contents

1 Appearance 2 Distribution 3 Biology 4 Endangerment 5 Danger to humans 6 See also

Appearance

Appearance of a typical requiem shark. Stocky. Broadly rounded snout, with small eyes. First dorsal fin over the last third of the pectoral fins, with a free rear tip that is well in front of the pelvic fins. Second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first one but still relatively large. Anal fin is slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin. Pectoral fins broad and falcate. Longitudinal upper precaudal pit. No interdorsal ridge.

Coloration: Grey to brownish, no color pattern.

Distribution

Indo-Western Pacific: Hooghly River, Ganges River system, West Bengal, India. Possibly in the vicinity of Karachi in Pakistan too.

Biology

A little-known species, lives in freshwater, inshore marine and estuarine systems.

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Chordata

Class:Pisces

Order:Carcharhiniformes(ground sharks)

Family: Carcharhinidae(Requiem sharks)

Feeding: Unknown.

Size: Maximum size probably up to 204 cm

Reproduction: Probably viviparous. Size at birth about 55 cm to 60 cm.

Similar species: Speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis) that however has another distribution.

Endangerment

Highly endangered.

Danger to humans

Seems to be very dangerous, but this is not proven.

See also

Fish anatomy