Shark
Bronze Whaler
Carcharhinus brachyurus
A sleek, coppery requiem shark that patrols the surf zone and inshore reefs, and a regular around baitfish and spearfishing activity.
Also known as bronze whaler shark, bronzy, copper shark
- Typical size
- Commonly 2-3.3 m
- Habitat
- Surf zone, inshore reefs and open coast
- Depth
- Surface to ~100 m
The bronze whaler, or copper shark, is a large active requiem shark named for the bronzy sheen on its flanks. It is one of the sharks most commonly encountered by Eastern Cape spearos, drawn inshore by the same baitfish shoals and struggling fish that the divers are working.
It is a wide-ranging temperate species that follows the sardine run up the coast in winter, congregating wherever prey is concentrated. Curious and bold rather than habitually aggressive, it warrants respect around a bleeding catch - most negative encounters involve speared fish rather than divers.