Galapagos shark swimming above coral
Photographer
Valerie Taylor
(born 1935)
DateJanuary 1997
Object numberANMS1457[683]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film, paper
DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionGalapagos Sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis) are a species of “requiem” sharks from the family Carcharhinidae and are often confused with their relative, the Grey Reef Shark. They are named after the Galapagos Islands where they were initially discovered but can be found in tropical waters around the world including Australia. Though they are generally not aggressive, if threatened they will swim in a rolling motion with lowered pectoral fins and an arched back as a warning before attacking.