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Global Animal Guide

Bull Shark: Key Facts

Stocky grey bull shark swimming through murky coastal water near the seabed

Quick answer

Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are fishs found across multiple regions. The shark that swims into freshwater. Adults typically weigh roughly 130 kg (286 lb), reach speeds of Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 16–25 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal seas worldwide, and unusually far up rivers and into freshwater lakes such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Ganges.

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Key takeaway

Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are fishs found across multiple regions. The shark that swims into freshwater. Adults typically weigh roughly 130 kg (286 lb), reach speeds of Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 16–25 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal seas worldwide, and unusually far up rivers and into freshwater lakes such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Ganges.

Bull Shark overview

Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is a fish listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight about 130 kg; lifespan around 16–25 years.

Bull Shark ecology

Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Bull Sharks and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild bull sharks are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Bull Shark profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Bull Sharks inhabit Warm coastal seas worldwide, and unusually far up rivers and into freshwater lakes such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Ganges. Their preferred habitat includes warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult bull sharks typically measure about 3.5 m in length and weigh roughly 130 kg (286 lb). They can sprint at Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts when hunting or escaping predators. Bull Sharks are known for the shark that swims into freshwater — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Bull Shark FAQs

What are key facts about bull sharks?

Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are fishs found across multiple regions. The shark that swims into freshwater. Adults typically weigh roughly 130 kg (286 lb), reach speeds of Up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in bursts, and live 16–25 years. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal seas worldwide, and unusually far up rivers and into freshwater lakes such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Ganges.

What is the scientific name of the bull shark?

Carcharhinus leucas — used in research and conservation listings for bull sharks.

What do bull sharks eat?

Bull Sharks are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes.

Where do bull sharks live?

They are associated with Warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of bull sharks?

Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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