Sharks of Hawaii

Hawaii has approximately 40 species of sharks (see the species list). Some sharks are common and nearshore, whereas many species are either pelagic or deepwater. To native Hawaiian people, sharks are revered and some families consider them sacred with an ancestral connection known as ‘Aumakua.

Driven largely by Hawaiian communities such as the Ohana Moana in Kona, Hawai’i has some of the strongest shark protection in the world.

COMMON INSHORE SHARKS

Galapagos shark

Image of Galapagos Shark

Carcharhinus galapagensis

LengthUp to 12 ft (maximum reported in Hawaii, 9.8 ft)
DescriptionBrownish gray on dorsal surface; white underside; trailing edge of tail is dusky, but not black
FoodEats bottom fishes and cephalopods
HabitatMostly found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Blacktip reef shark (Hawaiian: mano pa’ele)

Image of Blacktip Reef Shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus

LengthUp to 6 ft, generally under 5 ft
DescriptionLight brown with large black marks on the first dorsal fin and lower tail tips; no interdorsal ridge
FoodEats small reef fishes and invertebrates
HabitatCan be seen very close to the coastline and coral reef edge; found from the surface to 100 ft

Gray reef shark

Image od Gray Reef Shark

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

LengthUp to 8 ft, generally under 6 ft (maximum reported in Hawaii, 6.2 ft)
DescriptionGray with a slight white streak on the back edge of the dorsal fin and an easy-to-see black margin on the trailing edge of the tail; no interdorsal ridge
FoodEats bony fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans
HabitatHawaiian records show caught from surface to 900 ft but most abundant at 320 ft; more common in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands; tends to prefer reef areas with rugged terrain and strong currents

Bignose shark

Image of Bignosed Shark

Carcharhinus altimus

LengthUp to 9.5 ft, average 6 ft
DescriptionGray, large shark with prominent nasal flaps and high interdorsal ridge
FoodEats deepwater fishes (including sharks and rays), cephalopods
HabitatFrom about 90 to 1,200 ft

Blacktip shark

Image of Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

LengthUp to 8 ft
DescriptionGray with black edges on dorsal and pectoral fins; a pointed snout.
FoodEats octopus, squid, bony fishes, occasionally crustaceans
HabitatIn Hawaii, caught at depths of 40-210 ft; pups seen from Kaneohe Bay to Midway Atoll

Sandbar shark

image of Sandbar shark

Carcharhinus plumbeus

LengthUp to 8 ft, generally under 6 ft
DescriptionGray or light tan; high dorsal fin, strong interdorsal ridge; and no distinct marking
FoodEats small reef fishes, octopus and squid, crustaceans, mollusks
HabitatFrom about 30-900 ft; females cruise in shallower areas – average 223 ft

Tiger shark (Hawaiian: niuhi)

Image of Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

LengthUp to 16 ft, generally under 14 ft
DescriptionBroadly rounded snout; distinctive curved serrated teeth; strong spotting pattern in young sharks, turning to stripes which fade with age
FoodEats wide variety of marine animals, carrion – has been called “garbage can of the sea”
HabitatAlternate between coastal and pelagic environments, from the surface to about 2500 ft. While in coastal habitats, move vertically between surface and bottom to depths of about 300 ft.

Scalloped hammerhead shark (Hawaiian: mano kihikihi)

Image of Scallop Hammer Shark

Sphyrna lewini

LengthUp to 14 ft, generally under 7 ft
DescriptionGray with flattened hammer-like head with a central indentation
FoodEats reef fishes, sharks and rays, cephalopods, crustaceans
HabitatAdults live off shore and come into shallower waters of Hilo Bay, Kaneohe Bay, Waimea Bay and other areas in Hawaii to pup – juveniles tracked in Kaneohe Bay stay near the bottom in deeper areas

Smooth hammerhead shark (Hawaiian: mano kihikihi)

Image of Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna zygaena

LengthUp to 13 f, generally under 8 ft
DescriptionGray with a flattened hammer-like head without median indentation
FoodEats bony fishes, small sharks and rays, cephalopods, crustaceans
HabitatIn Hawaii, juveniles have been caught at depths of about 110-225 ft

Whitetip reef shark (Hawaiian: mano lalakea)

Image of Whitetip Reef Shark

Triaenodon obesus

LengthUp to 7 f, generally under 5 ft
DescriptionGray; slightly flat-headed with small white tips on the tops of the first and second dorsal and tail fins
FoodEats reef fishes, octopuses, crustaceans.
Habitat

ODD RELATIVES

CHIMAERAS

Purple chimaera

Hydrolagus purpurescens

LengthUp to 3 ft or more
DescriptionPurplish-gray dorsally, becoming darker ventrally; fins dark, with possible lighter spots on dorsal fin; dark lateral line including canals about head; fairly large green eyes
FoodPresumed to feed on benthic invertebrates, perhaps fishes
HabitatBottom areas in deep water, to depths of over 6,000 ft
ReproductionOvipary; litter size possibly two; size at maturity uncertain

Longnosed chimaera (Pacific spookfish)

Rhinochimaera pacifica

LengthUp to 4 ft
DescriptionPale brown dorsally, grayish-brown ventrally and around gill cover; white area around mouth and over snout; very long pointed snout; small eyes
FoodPresumed to feed on benthic invertebrates
HabitatBottom areas in deep water, to depths of over 4,000 ft
ReproductionOvipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity possibly 3.3 ftsnout; small eyes

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COASTAL RAYS

Diamond stingray

Dasyatis dipterura

LengthDisc width up to 3.2 ft or more
DescriptionBrownish-black dorsally, white ventrally; dorsal and ventral folds on tail.
FoodEats crustaceans, mollusks, and bony fish
HabitatSand and mud bottom areas to depths of 55 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size and size at maturity uncertain

Brown stingray

Dasyatis lata

LengthDisc width up to 5 ft
DescriptionOlive- to blackish-brown dorsally, pale ventrally; distinctive snout; tail covered with tubercles
FoodEats crustaceans and bony fish
HabitatSand and mud bottom areas from very shallow to depths of 700 ft or more
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size 3-4; size at maturity 3 ft disc width for males, 3.7 ft for females

Spotted eagle ray

Aetobatus narinari

LengthWingspan up to 6 ft or more (11.5 ft given in some references)
DescriptionBlack or bluish-black with white or light blue spots or rings dorsally, white ventrally; black pattern on underside of wings; pointed snout
FoodEats bivalves, crustaceans, worms, bony fishes
HabitatGenerally inhabits bottom areas near land, from very shallow to depths of 230 ft or more, but often swims close to the surface
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size 1-4; size at maturity 4.6 ft wingspan for females (4-6 yrs), uncertain for males

Manta ray

Manta birostris

LengthWingspan up to 22 ft or more
DescriptionGrayish-blue or greenish-brown to black dorsally, pale fin edges, white ventrally; pale patches on dorsal surface and dark blotches on ventral are unique to individuals and can be used for identification; rectangular terminal mouth with large cephalic lobes on each side
FoodEats planktonic crustaceans, small schooling bony fishes
HabitatNearshore to pelagic waters, from near the surface to depths of 120 ft or more
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size 1-2; size at maturity may be 13 ft wingspan for males, 15 ft for females, although smaller size have been reported

Spinetail devil ray

Mobula japanica

LengthDisc width up to 10 ft
DescriptionDark blue to black dorsally; white ventrally, often with dark patches; cephalic fins silvery-gray on inner surface with black tips; white markings behind eye; row of white denticles on each side of tail
FoodEats zooplankton
HabitatNearshore to possibly pelagic surface waters, sometimes near sea floor, to depths of at least 60 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size 1; size at maturity 6.5 ft disc width for females, uncertain for males

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DEEPWATER RAYS

Torpedo ray

Torpedo sp.

LengthMaximum disc width uncertain; specimens observed from submersible have not been positively identified to species level, and those captured by trawls have not been formally identified
DescriptionSpecimens photographed from submersible appear dark gray; broad body and short spineless tail
FoodDiet uncertain; stuns prey with shock produced by electric organs located behind the eyes
HabitatBottom areas in deep water, to depths of at least 1,500 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary with embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size and size at maturity uncertain

Giant stingaree (Deepwater stingray)

Plesiobatis daviesi

LengthDisc width up to 5 ft
DescriptionGrayish-brown to black dorsally, white with dark edges ventrally; long snout
FoodEats crustaceans, octopus, and some bony fishes
HabitatBottom areas in deep water, to depths of at least 2,000 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary; uncertain if embryos receive uterine milk; litter size uncertain; size at maturity possibly 4.2 ft disc width for males, uncertain for females

Sixgill stingray

Hexatrygon bickelli

LengthDisc width to at least 1 ft
DescriptionPurplish-brown dorsally, white with dusky margins ventrally; underside of tail dark; long pointed snout, shape may be variable
FoodUncertain
HabitatSoft bottom areas in deep water, to depths of at least 3,200 ft
ReproductionUncertain; litter size apparently 4; size at maturity uncertain

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PELAGIC RAYS

Pelagic stingray


Pteroplatytrygon violacea

LengthDisc width up to 2.6 ft
DescriptionDark brown to black dorsally and ventrally
FoodEats squid, crustaceans, bony fishes
HabitatPelagic waters from near the surface by night to depths of 300 to 600 ft or more by day
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on uterine milk after using up yolk sac; litter size possibly 4-7; size at maturity 1.1 ft disc width for males, 1.3 ft for females

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OFFSHORE SHARKS

White shark (Hawaiian: niuhi)

Image of White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

LengthUp to 21 ft or more
DescriptionGray with white underside; large; conical snout; large gill slits; sharp triangular teeth; strong keel and nearly symmetrical tail
FoodEats variety of bony fishes, sharks and rays, marine mammals, carrion, occasionally sea turtles and birds
HabitatRare in Hawaiian waters

Shortfin mako shark

Image of Shortfin Mako Shark

Isurus oxyrinchus

LengthUp to 14 ft
DescriptionShort pectoral fins; very pointed conical snout with long dagger-like teeth; tail lobes nearly equal in size; pronounced keel at base of tail
FoodEats variety of fishes including tunas, mackerels, sharks
HabitatFrom depths of about 110-920 ft

Silky shark

Image of Silky Shark

Carcharhinus falciformis

LengthUp to 10 ft, most are much smaller
DescriptionBrownish-gray, large shark with small rounded dorsal fin, an interdorsal ridge and no distinctive markings
FoodEats bony fishes, including mackerels and tunas, cephalopods, pelagic crabs
HabitatIn Hawaii, rarely appears in coastal waters

Blue shark

Image of Blue Shark

Prionace glauca

LengthUp to 12-13 ft, possibly up to 20 ft
DescriptionBluish gray, large slender shark with pointed snout, long pectoral fins, and anterior
FoodEats cephalopods, small bony fishes, crustaceans, mammalian carrion
HabitatVertically migrates between the surface and 1,800 ft during the day and surface and 600 ft at night; near islands remains offshore during summer months, but appears to move closer to shore at twilight in the spring, returning to open ocean before sunrise

Whale shark

Image of Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

LengthPossibly up to 60 ft, usually 13-40 ft; world’s largest fish
DescriptionA nearly terminal mouth, 300 rows of backcurved teeth (which are not used in feeding) and a unique checkerboard spot pattern on the body
FoodEats wide variety of plankton and nekton, including small fishes, crustaceans, squid
HabitatOften seen feeding at the surface; reported caught between 8,500 to 15,000 ft; in Hawaii, rarely found north of Kauai

Thresher shark (Hawaiian: mano hi‘uka or mano laukahi‘u)

Image of Thresher Shark

Alopias pelagicus

LengthUp to about 11 ft, generally under 10 ft
DescriptionVery long tail, almost as long as rest of body; bluish-black dorsally becoming lighter on sides, off-white ventrally with white coloration not extending above pectoral insertions
FoodEats squid and bony fishes; stuns prey with tail before feeding
HabitatPelagic waters from the surface to depths of over 500 ft

Oceanic whitetip shark

Image of Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Carcharhinus longimanus

LengthUp to 13 ft, generally less than 10 ft
DescriptionGray; mottled tail and fin tips; enlarged first dorsal fin and long, paddle-shaped pectoral fins
FoodEats pelagic fishes, cephalopods, sea turtles, sea birds, marine mammal carrion
HabitatFrom the surface to 500 ft, most abundant in the tropics

Megamouth shark

Image of Megamouth shark

Megachasma pelagios

LengthUp to 18 ft
DescriptionBlackish brown on back and sides, creamy underside; large head and huge distending mouth; large fleshy tail; white-tipped pectoral fins
FoodEats mostly pelagic crustaceans, some jellyfishes
HabitatPresumed vertically migratory from about 40 to 80 ft at night and 400 to 640 ft during the day; extremely rare; discovered off O‘ahu in 1976.

Cookiecutter shark

Image of Cookiecutter shark

Isistius brasiliensis

LengthUp to 20 in
DescriptionBrownish black with a dark collar around the gill region and bright green eyes; sometimes referred to as the “cigar” shark; small dorsal fins are at the rear of its body
FoodEats squid, small fish, crustaceans; also bites off flesh from larger fishes, cetaceans and sharks
HabitatCaught at night, sometimes at surface or at depths up to 11,500 ft

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OTHER SHARKS

COASTAL

Bluntnose six-gill shark

Hexanchus griseus

LengthUp to 16 ft, generally under 10 ft
DescriptionOlive-green to brownish-gray, becoming paler ventrally, light colored lateral line; fins may have white edges; six long gill slits; broad rounded snout, small green eyes
FoodEats crustaceans, mollusks, fishes (including sharks), marine mammals
HabitatCoastal and deepwater, near the bottom and in the water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size 22-108; size at maturity 9.5 ft for males, 13.5 ft for females

DEEPWATER

False cat shark

Pseudotriakis microdon

LengthLength up to 10 ft
DescriptionDark brown to gray coloration; fin edges somewhat darker; long cat-like eyes; large spiracles; long anterior dorsal fin
FoodEats shrimp, octopus, fishes (including sharks)
HabitatBottom-dweller at depths of about 600 to 5,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on eggs in uterus after using up yolk sac; litter size normally 2; size at maturity 6.5 ft for males, 7 ft for females

Sponge-headed cat shark

Apristurus spongiceps

LengthUp to 1.6 ft or more
DescriptionDark brown body; thick body and head, grooves and pleats around gill slits and throat
FoodUncertain
HabitatExtremely rare; known for many years from only 2 specimens: one taken from Hawaii at 1,900 ft, the other from the Banda Sea at 4,800 ft
ReproductionOvipary; only egg-laying shark in Hawaiian waters; litter size and size at maturity unknown.

Prickly shark (Cooke’s shark)

Echinorhinus cookei

LengthUp to 13 ft
DescriptionGrayish-brown body with black margins on fins; underside of snout light colored; no anal fin; large thorny denticles scattered about body and fins
FoodMollusks, fish (including sharks)
HabitatBottom areas to depths of over 1,300 ft
ReproductionUncertain, presumed aplacental vivipary; litter size to at least 114; size at maturity 6 ft for males, 6.5 ft for females

Combtooth dogfish

Centroscyllium nigrum

Length Up to 1.6 ft
DescriptionStippled black body; white tips on dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin
FoodUncertain
HabitatBottom areas to depths of over 3,700 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 14 inches for males, females unknown

Blurred smooth lantern shark

Etmopterus bigelowi

LengthUp to 2.2 ft
DescriptionBlack body; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin; luminescent ventrally
FoodEats squid and bony fishes
HabitatBottom areas to depths of over 3,000 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 1.4 ft for males, 1.6 ft for females

Blackbelly lantern shark

Etmopterus lucifer

LengthUp to 1.6 ft
DescriptionDusky brown dorsally, becoming abruptly black ventrally; narrow black band around pelvic fins; no anal fin; luminescent ventrally
FoodSquid, bony fishes, crustaceans
HabitatVertical migrator, between depths of 600 to over 6,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size to at least 8; size at maturity 7 inches for males, 8 inches for females

Hawaiian lantern shark

Etmopterus villosus

LengthUp to 1.5 ft
DescriptionDark brown dorsally, darker ventrally; dark markings above pelvic fins; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin; luminescent ventrally
FoodUncertain
HabitatOn or near bottom at depths of 1,200 to over 3,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size and size at maturity uncertain

Mosaic gulper shark

Centrophorus tessellatus

LengthUp to 3 ft
DescriptionLight gray body, lighter bands at fin edges; green eyes; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin
FoodUncertain
HabitatBottom areas to depths of over 2,300 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size and size at maturity uncertain

Gulper shark

Centrophorus granulosus

LengthUp to 5.5 ft
DescriptionLight grayish brown dorsally, paler ventrally, greenish eyes, dorsal fins of adults have dusky tips
FoodEats bony fishes, squid, and crustaceans
HabitatBottom areas to depths of 4,700 ft.
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, litter size one or two, size at maturity average 3.6 ft.
NoteKnown from a single individual observed and photographed from a submersible

Shortspine spurdog shark (Gray dogfish)

Squalus mitsukurii

LengthUp to 3.5 feet
DescriptionDusky gray body, lighter bands at fin edges; green eyes; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin
FoodEats crustaceans, mollusks, and bony fish
HabitatBottom areas to depths of over 2,400 feet
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size 1-6; size at maturity 16 inches (14 years) for males, 25 inches (15 years) for females

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PELAGIC

Smalltooth sand tiger shark

Odontaspis ferox

LengthUp to 12 ft, generally 5 to 7 ft
DescriptionMedium to dark gray dorsally, sometimes with scattered darker reddish spots on sides, lighter ventrally with blotches; pointed snout
FoodEats crustaceans, squid, fishes (including rays)
HabitatPelagic waters and at deep bottom areas, from near the surface to depths of over 2,500 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, presumed uterine cannibal; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 9 ft for males, females uncertain

Bigeye sand tiger shark

Odontaspis noronhai

LengthUp to 11 ft or more
DescriptionUniform dark chocolate brown; fins with dark margin on posterior edge; pointed snout
FoodUncertain, but known to eat bony fishes and squid
HabitatPelagic and deep waters to depths of over 3,000 ft; habitat utilization not well understood
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, presumed uterine cannibal; litter size uncertain; size at maturity about 11 ft for males and females

Crocodile shark

Pseudocarcharias kamoharai

LengthUp to 3.6 ft; smallest lamnoid shark
DescriptionDark brown dorsally, sometimes with dark blotches on sides and ventral surface; pointed snout, long gill slits, very large eyes
FoodEats crustaceans, mollusks, bony fishes
HabitatPelagic waters from the surface to about 1,900 ft; sometimes found near the bottom closer to shore
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on eggs and possibly younger embryos in uterus after using up yolk sac; litter size generally 4; size at maturity 2.4 ft for males, 2.9 ft for females

Bigeye thresher shark

Alopias superciliosus

LengthUp to 16 ft, generally under 13 ft
DescriptionVery long tail, almost as long as rest of body; violet-gray dorsally becoming lighter on sides; distinctive v-shaped groove on top of head gives helmet-like appearance
FoodEats squid and bony fishes; stuns prey with tail before feeding
HabitatPelagic waters and at deep bottom areas, from the surface to depths of over 1,600 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on eggs in uterus after using up yolk sac; litter size normally 2; size at maturity 9 ft (9-10 yrs) for males, 11 ft (12-13 yrs) for females

Longfin mako

Isurus paucus

LengthUp to about 14 ft, generally around 7 ft
DescriptionDark blue to bluish-black dorsally, fading somewhat on the sides; conical snout
FoodUncertain, but thought to feed on squid and bony fishes
HabitatPelagic waters from near the surface to depths of about 700 ft, but may go much deeper; may be vertical migrator between midwaters by day and surface waters at night
ReproductionAplacental vivipary, embryos feed on eggs in uterus after using up yolk sac; litter size 2-8; size at maturity 7 ft for males, 8 ft for females

Frilled shark

Chlamydoselachus anguineus

LengthUp to 6 ft or more
DescriptionBrownish coloration with long narrow body, six frilled gill slits
FoodEats squid, fish
HabitatPelagic surface waters to bottom areas at depths of over 4,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size 2-12; size at maturity about 3 ft for males, 4.5 ft for females

Kitefin shark

Dalatias licha

LengthUp to 5.3 ft
DescriptionBlack to brownish-gray body, may have darker spots; blunt snout with thick lips
FoodEats worms, mollusks, crustaceans, fish (including sharks and rays)
HabitatPelagic waters from about 100 ft to bottom areas at depths of over 5,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size 10-16; size at maturity 2.5 ft for males, 3.9 ft for females

Smooth lantern shark

Etmopterus pussilus

LengthUp to 1.6 ft
DescriptionBlack body, yellow spot on head; broad dark mark around pelvic fins; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin; luminescent ventrally
FoodSquid, fish (including small sharks)
HabitatPelagic waters from near the surface to depths of over 3,000 ft
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 1.2 ft for males and females

Pygmy shark

Euprotomicrus bispinatus

LengthUp to 11 inches; smallest shark in Hawaiian waters
DescriptionCharcoal gray to black body; clear fin edges; luminescent ventrally
FoodCrustaceans, squid, bony fishes
HabitatVertical migrator, from surface to depths of over 1,300 ft and possibly much deeper
ReproductionAplacental vivipary; litter size to at least 8; size at maturity 7 inches for males, 9 inches for females

Viper dogfish

Trigonognathus kabeyai

LengthUp to 1.3 ft
DescriptionDark brown to blackish body; dorsal fin spines; no anal fin
FoodCrustaceans and bony fishes
HabitatPelagic waters to depths of over 1,000 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 14 inches for males, females uncertain

Velvet dogfish

Scymnodon squamulosus

LengthUp to 2.8 ft
DescriptionBlack body; flat head, broad pectoral fins, dorsal fin spines; no anal fin
FoodUncertain
HabitatDeep pelagic waters to depths of over 6,000 ft
ReproductionPresumed aplacental vivipary; litter size uncertain; size at maturity 1.6 ft for males, 2.5 ft for females

Source: Hawai’i Department Aquatic Resources