The silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, named for the smooth texture of its skin. One of the most abundant sharks in the pelagic zone, the highly mobile silky shark can be found around the world in tropical waters. It is most often found near the edges of continental shelves, from the surface to a depth of 50 m (160 ft). The silky shark usually grows to a length of 2.5 m (8.2 ft), and has a...
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The silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, named for the smooth texture of its skin. One of the most abundant sharks in the pelagic zone, the highly mobile silky shark can be found around the world in tropical waters. It is most often found near the edges of continental shelves, from the surface to a depth of 50 m (160 ft). The silky shark usually grows to a length of 2.5 m (8.2 ft), and has a typical, streamlined "shark" shape. It can be distinguished from other large requiem sharks by the relatively small first dorsal fin with a curving rear margin, the tiny second dorsal fin with a long free rear tip, and the long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins. This shark is a deep, metallic bronze-gray above and white below.
Like other pelagic requiem sharks, the silky shark is inquisitive and persistent in its pursuit of often-scarce prey. This fast, active predator feeds mainly on bony fishes and cephalopods, launching open-mouthed slashing...
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