The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is home to a diverse range of shark species. Some of the sharks commonly found in the Sea of Cortez include:
- Hammerhead Sharks: Both scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena) can be found in the Sea of Cortez.
- Whale Sharks: These gentle giants, the largest fish species in the world, are occasionally spotted in the Sea of Cortez, especially around areas with high plankton concentrations.
- Bull Sharks: Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are known to inhabit the coastal and estuarine waters of the Sea of Cortez. They are one of the few shark species that can tolerate freshwater and are sometimes found in river mouths and lagoons.
- Silky Sharks: Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) are commonly found in the open waters of the Sea of Cortez, particularly around offshore islands and seamounts.
- Blue Sharks: Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are pelagic sharks that inhabit the open ocean, including the waters of the Sea of Cortez. They are often encountered by fishermen and divers in offshore areas.
- Thresher Sharks: Pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) are occasionally seen in the Sea of Cortez. These sharks are known for their long, whip-like tails, which they use to stun prey.
These are just a few examples of the shark species found in the Sea of Cortez. The region’s diverse marine ecosystem supports a wide variety of marine life, including numerous shark species.