Quick answer
The bull shark is a stocky, powerful shark of warm coastal seas worldwide, famous for its ability to live in freshwater and travel far up rivers and into lakes. It typically grows 2 to 3.5 m (7 to 11 ft) long and is an aggressive, opportunistic predator. Because it shares shallow waters with people, it is considered one of the sharks most likely to encounter humans; it can live around 16 to 25 years.
Key takeaway
The bull shark is a stocky, powerful shark of warm coastal seas worldwide, famous for its ability to live in freshwater and travel far up rivers and into lakes. It typically grows 2 to 3.5 m (7 to 11 ft) long and is an aggressive, opportunistic predator. Because it shares shallow waters with people, it is considered one of the sharks most likely to encounter humans; it can live around 16 to 25 years.
Overview
The bull shark is a stocky, powerful shark of warm coastal seas worldwide, famous for its ability to live in freshwater and travel far up rivers and into lakes. It typically grows 2 to 3.5 m (7 to 11 ft) long and is an aggressive, opportunistic predator. Because it shares shallow waters with people, it is considered one of the sharks most likely to encounter humans; it can live around 16 to 25 years.
Biology
Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is classified as Fish with conservation status Vulnerable. Typical weight about 130 kg; lifespan around 16–25 years.
Ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Bull Shark profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
Behavior and biology
Bull sharks are heavy-bodied, aggressive sharks that hunt in murky, shallow water where visibility is poor. They are named for their blunt, rounded snouts and stocky build, and for a tendency to head-butt prey before biting. They are highly opportunistic and will investigate and attack a wide range of potential food.
Living in freshwater
Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for long periods thanks to special adaptations in their kidneys and other organs that regulate salt. This allows them to swim far up rivers such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Ganges and to enter freshwater lakes. Young bull sharks often use river mouths and estuaries as safer nursery areas.
Diet and feeding
Bull sharks are carnivores with a broad diet that includes bony fish, other sharks and rays, sea turtles, birds, dolphins, and crustaceans. They are aggressive hunters that take advantage of whatever prey is available in their cloudy coastal and river habitats. Their powerful jaws and stout teeth let them tackle a variety of prey.
Conservation and human interaction
Because bull sharks favor the same warm, shallow waters where people swim, they are considered one of the species most likely to bite humans, alongside tiger sharks. They are listed as Vulnerable, threatened by coastal fishing, habitat loss, and their slow reproduction. Protecting estuaries and managing fisheries are important for their future.
Research notes
Figures for bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter bull sharks in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Vulnerable) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Bull Shark: Key Facts & Natural History?
The bull shark is a stocky, powerful shark of warm coastal seas worldwide, famous for its ability to live in freshwater and travel far up rivers and into lakes. It typically grows 2 to 3.5 m (7 to 11 ft) long and is an aggressive, opportunistic predator. Because it shares shallow waters with people, it is considered one of the sharks most likely to encounter humans; it can live around 16 to 25 years.
What is the scientific name of the bull shark?
Carcharhinus leucas
What do bull sharks eat?
Carnivore
Where do bull sharks live?
Warm coastal seas, rivers, and lakes
Are bull sharks endangered?
Listed here as Vulnerable. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.