EN
ES
DE
Bull Shark
Carcharhinus leucas
Coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. Uniquely tolerant of fresh water.
Stocky build, short blunt snout, small eyes, uniformly grey body. Distinctively thick-bodied compared to other requiem sharks.
Identification
Bull sharks are distinguished by their stocky, heavy-set build, blunt rounded snout, and small eyes. The body is grey to brownish-grey on top and white beneath. Adults reach 3.4 meters and 300 kg.
Distribution & Habitat
Bull sharks are the only large shark species routinely found in fresh water. They have been recorded over 3,000 km up the Amazon and over 1,100 km up the Mississippi. This euryhaline ability is physiological — their kidneys recycle urea to maintain osmotic balance. In marine environments they are coastal, preferring murky, shallow water near river mouths.
Behavior
Bulls are opportunistic apex predators that eat almost anything: fish, rays, turtles, other sharks, dolphins, and occasionally land animals that wander into rivers. Their aggressive disposition and tolerance for brackish and fresh water mean they are responsible for a disproportionate number of shark-human encounters.
Where to See Them
Playa del Carmen (Mexico) hosts a famous bull shark aggregation from November to March, where females gather in shallow water. Beqa Lagoon in Fiji and Protea Banks in South Africa also offer regular encounters. Bull shark dives are typically baited — consider whether this is ethically acceptable to you before booking.
Warm coastal waters worldwide; also in fresh water systems like the Amazon, Mississippi, and Zambezi.
Aggressive and territorial. Tolerates fresh water and has been documented hundreds of kilometers up rivers.
Find diving tours where you might encounter this species:
Diving Tours & Activities
Book diving experiences with local operators