Shark - Dusky
name: Shark - Dusky
other names: N/A
The dusky shark has a long streamlined body that is brown or grey above and white below. There is a faint lateral stripe that extends to the pelvic fin. Juveniles have a dark colouration on the tip of the caudal fin and the underside of the pectoral fins that is less pronounced in adults. The first dorsal fin is much larger than the second with a dermal ridge found between the two dorsal fins. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is larger than the lower lobe. The pectoral fins are long and curved on the trailing edge. The dusky shark can grow to 4 meters (13 feet) in length. The upper teeth of the dusky shark are broad and triangular with a serrated edge, but while the front teeth are virtually erect, the others are slightly oblique. The lower teeth differ since they have narrow, erect cusps with more finely serrated edges than the upper teeth.
This shark is most commonly caught in coastal regions. They will swim near beaches and deep reefs.
The diet of this shark includes small schooling fish such as sardines and anchovies, as well as larger fish like tuna, mackerel, flatfish and eels. The dusky shark also eats dogfish, cat sharks, skates and rays.
Dusky sharks are very slow growing, mature at about 20 years and may live as long as 45 years.
The maximum size attained by the species is about 12 feet.
Although occasionally caught by anglers fishing in the surf or from piers, most dusky sharks are landed from drifting or anchored boats. Remember to use steel wire because duskies are able to bite through monofilament or braided lines. When fishing for duskies and other open ocean sharks, you should fish over deep water, even though most are hooked directly on, or just below, the surface. Also, since the sharks are attracted by smell, a floating chum pot or freely ladled cut fish will concentrate them. Once the sharks are visible, anglers may merely cast their rigged baits over the side. Some of the gamiest of the oceanic species, including the dusky, may be caught on large streamer flies, thus adding a new dimension to the sport.
