The Ganges shark is a large stocky shark, without conspicuous markings. Broadly rounded short snout and small dark eyes. The first dorsal fin is over the last third of the pectoral fins, with a free rear tip that is well in front of the pelvic fins. The second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first, but is still relatively large. The anal fin is slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin. The pectoral fins are broad and falcate. A longitudinal upper precaudal pit is present, but the interdorsal ridge is absent.

SIZE

The maximum size of the Ganges sharks is approximately 6.7 feet and probably larger.

TEETH

The upper teeth of the Ganges shark have high, broad, serrated triangular cusps, first few lower front teeth with weakly serrated cutting edges and low cusplets in crown foot, which protrude prominently when mouth is closed.

COLOR

These sharks tend to have a uniform gray to brownish coloration, without any conspicuous markings or pattern with white underneath.

FEEDING HABITS

Its feeding habits are unknown, but is suggested because of their slender teeth that they are primarily fish-eaters adapted to life in turbid river waters.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Unknown

HABITAT

The Ganges shark, as its name suggests, is largely restricted to the rivers of the Indo-Western Pacific, particularly the Hooghly River of West Bengal, India. Individuals have also been sighted in waters in the vicinity of Karachi, Pakistan. It is known to inhabit only freshwater, inshore marine and estuarine systems.

LIFE SPAN

Unknown

REPRODUCTION

Probably viviparous, measuring 23 inches at birth.

SHARK ATTACKS

This species is potentially dangerous, though its reputation as a man-eater is still unproven. There are much more dangerous sharks in the Ganges such as the Bull shark; it represents a greater definite danger threat than this threatened and elusive species.

POPULATION REPORT

The Ganges shark is believed to be critically endangered.

POINTS OF INTEREST

There are six known river sharks, ( Ganges shark, Speartooth shark, Bizant river shark, Borneo river shark, and the New Guinea river shark ), that are definitely rare and probably endangered. Collectively, their distribution, life history, and ecology is a virtual cipher. So, very little is known about these mysterious creatures. Perhaps the most familiar is the Ganges shark, which has a reputation as a man-eater in India. Its ferocious reputation may not be warranted, however, due to confusion with the Bull Shark, which also occurs in India's Bombay, Cochin, and Hooghly rivers.