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Summary
The silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae,...
Content
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 attacks through their compacted schools. Groups of silky sharks are frequently found trailing schools of tuna, a favored prey. Its sense of hearing is extremely acute, allowing it to orient towards the
Created by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
Last edited by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
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