Sealife guideThe silky sharkCarcharhinus falciformis

Last updated on 09/09/2024 at 12:39 PM

Taxonomy

Common name: Silky shark
French name: Requin soyeux
Spanish name: Tiburón piloto,tiburón lustroso,jaquetón sedoso
Scientific name: Carcharhinus falciformis (Müller & Henle, 1839)
Family name: Carcharhinidae
Order name: Carcharhiniformes
Class name: Elasmobranchii

Description

The silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) is a pelagic shark species with a very slender body and a pointed snout. Bronze in color with bluish-gray reflections, the silky shark averages about 10 feet in length.

The silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) © Alex Chernikh CC BY 2.5 modifié par auxBulles.com

Geographic range

The silky shark is a migratory species widely distributed around the world in the warm tropical waters of seas and oceans. It can be found near the reefs of French Polynesia including the Society islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, the Gambiers, the Marquesas and the Australs.

Habitat

Silky sharks are generally found from the surface down to about 165 feet but they also venture as deep as 1,640 feet. This pelagic shark inhabits open ocean waters but can also be found near coasts with deep waters nearby.

Diet

The silky shark primarily feeds on pelagic fish like tuna, jacks as well as rays and cephalopods.

Reproduction

Silky sharks are viviparous with females giving birth to up to ten baby sharks after a one-year gestation period.

Did you know ?

The silky shark is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The silky shark appears in the IUCN Red List since 2021 within the category Vulnerable !

Tips for observing

Active both day and night, the silky shark is bold and curious, often approaching divers with great interest. So keep your eyes open, stay calm and always prioritize safety !

The silky shark has a very slender body and a pointed snout © Jonathan Green | Dreamstime.com

Within the same genus

Blacknose shark
(Carcharhinus acronotus)

Bull shark
(Carcharhinus leucas)

Caribbean reef shark
(Carcharhinus perezi)

Copper shark
(Carcharhinus brachyurus)

Dusky shark
(Carcharhinus obscurus)

Galapagos shark
(Carcharhinus galapagensis)

Sandbar shark
(Carcharhinus plumbeus)

Silvertip shark
(Carcharhinus albimarginatus)

Within the same family

Blue shark
(Prionace glauca)

Lemon shark
(Negaprion brevirostris)

Tiger shark
(Galeocerdo cuvier)

Whitetip reef shark
(Triaenodon obesus)

Discover also

Dark shyshark
(Haploblepharus pictus)

Great hammerhead shark
(Sphyrna mokarran)

Great white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias)

Hammerhead shark
(9 espèces)

Leopard shark
(Triakis semifasciata)

Ornate wobbegong
(Orectolobus ornatus)

Zebra bullhead shark
(Heterodontus zebra)

Zebra shark
(Stegostoma fasciatum)

Our latestUpdates

Friday, December 12th 2025

Christmas magic at Disney hotels

Experience the magic of Christmas at Disney hotels: enchanting decorations, giant Christmas trees, dazzling lights and a festive holiday atmosphere.

Friday, November 28th 2025

Disney Hollywood Studios, from Star Wars to Toy Story

Dive into the magical world of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story attractions and shows for the whole family.

Wednesday, November 19th 2025

Tenerife island

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.

Photo of the Day

Pieuvre mimétique
(Thaumoctopus mimicus)