The bull shark is one of the most adaptable and formidable sharks in the world, known for its ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater.
Bull sharks have a broad, rounded snout and a robust, stout body. They are typically gray on top and lighter underneath, providing natural camouflage in the water. They can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh nearly 317 kilograms (700 pounds). While they are most commonly found in coastal estuarine environments near shorelines, they are also one of the few shark species that can readily move between saltwater and freshwater. And they don′t just venture into saltwater for short periods of time — bull sharks can travel up rivers hundreds of miles from the ocean!
These sharks are opportunistic feeders that consume a wide variety of prey, including fish, seabirds, small sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Although bull sharks have relatively small eyes, they can find their potential prey with the help of a keen sense of hearing and strong sense of smell. While adult sharks have no natural predators, juveniles may fall prey to larger sharks like tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, or other bull sharks. Like many sharks, bull sharks play an important role in keeping the ecosystems where they live in balance.