Sharks Of The Hawaiian Waters
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Scientific Name: Sphyrna lewini
Family: Carcharhinidae
Size: Up to 14 ft (generally under 7 ft)
Description: Gray with a flattened hammer-like head featuring a central indentation
Habitat: Adults live offshore and come into shallower waters in areas like Hilo Bay, Kaneohe Bay, and Waimea Bay in Hawaii to give birth.
Galapagos Shark
Scientific Name: Carcharhinus galapagensis
Family: Carcharhinidae
Size: 8 to 10 feet (up to 14 feet)
Habitat: These sharks primarily inhabit clear waters, coral reefs, and rocky bottoms, often swimming a few meters above the substrate. While they are considered a coastal species, Galapagos sharks have been reported to cross open waters between islands
Sandbar Shark
Scientific Name: Galeocerdo cuvier
Family: Carcharhinidae
Size: Over 5 meters (16 feet) in length, weighing up to 900 kg (2,000 lbs)
Habitat: Warm waters worldwide, particularly around central Pacific islands. Occasional sightings in cooler temperate zones due to warm currents.
Oceanic Blacktip Shark
Scientific Name: Carcharhinus limbatus
Family: Carcharhinidae
Size: Up to 8 feet long, weighing between 66 and 220 pounds
Habitat: Warm, shallow coastal waters worldwide, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
Tiger Shark
Scientific Name: Galeocerdo cuvier
Family: Carcharhinidae
Size: Over 5 meters (16 feet) in length, weighing up to 900 kg (2,000 lbs)
Habitat: Warm waters worldwide, particularly around central Pacific islands. Occasional sightings in cooler temperate zones due to warm currents.
