What Do Dusky Sharks Eat?

A large, slender shark swimming in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic is known as the dusky shark, or the bronze or black whaler. The shark's serrated teeth are broad and triangular. The front teeth are erect, while the others are oblique. The lower teeth differ, with narrow, erect cusps, and they are less serrated than the upper teeth. The shark's teeth help it chew huge tuna and tuna-like species. However, the dusky shark's palate varies to small schools of fish to skates and stingrays.

  1. Tuna and Tuna-Like Species

    • Main staple for dusky shark

      Tuna and tuna-like species provide a significant source of food to the dusky shark. Tuna-like species include skipjack, yellowfin, albacore, Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, Pacific bluefin and southern bluefin. The dusky shark can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and as far south as the Caribbean Sea to Brazil. An abundant supply of tuna in these regions fulfills the hunger needs of the sharks. Unfortunately, the sharks' craving for tuna and tuna-like species raises the bar for concern with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. While hunting tuna, the shark inadvertently becomes entangled in the nets used for fishing tuna.

    Sardines and Anchovies

    • Sardines and anchovies are small fish and part of the dusky shark's diet. The two appear to be similar with oily flesh bodies, silvery appearance and small size. However, there are minor variations between the two. Sardines have a protruding snout, whereas anchovies have a pointed snout. The oil from these small fish aid the shark's liver, which helps in the buoyancy.

    Skate

    • Dusky sharks have been known to eat stingrays, catsharks, flatfish, mackerel and skates. The reason is unknown, although low numbers of available tuna and tuna-like species could be a contributor. Perhaps during the shark's migration route, it compromises its preferred food source with much larger prey such as the 100-lb. skate.

    Curious Food

    • Eels are a curious food supply for the sharks; nevertheless, their meat sustains the shark until a bigger, more satisfying meal comes within striking distance. Dogfish are closely related to sharks, although they resemble an eel with their snakelike body and fall under the curious food supply. Their weight varies between 4 to 20 lbs., depending on the species.