WhenToDive
Shark · 🦈

Bronze Whaler Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

The bronze whaler — also called the copper shark — is a large requiem shark of temperate coastal waters in the Southern Hemisphere and both sides of the North Atlantic. Bronze whalers are the defining shark species of the South African sardine run, where they aggregate in large numbers alongside common dolphins to feed on baitball concentrations. They are also the principal shark cage-dive subject in southern Australia alongside great whites. Coloration is a coppery-bronze on the back, fading to white below; adults reach around 3 metres.

The bronze whaler — also called the copper shark — is a large requiem shark of temperate coastal waters in the Southern Hemisphere and both sides of the North Atlantic. Bronze whalers are the defining shark species of the South African sardine run, where they aggregate in large numbers alongside common dolphins to feed on baitball concentrations. They are also the principal shark cage-dive subject in southern Australia alongside great whites. Coloration is a coppery-bronze on the back, fading to white below; adults reach around 3 metres.

The year at a glance

Global aggregated reliability — at any given month, how reliably can you find this species somewhere in the world?

Score 1–5 · global aggregated reliability Rare Moderate Reliable

Where to see them in April

Bronze Whaler Shark is not reported at any destination this month. Check the full season breakdown below.

Full season breakdown

Peak Present Rare

Destination
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Notes
Sardine Run (Wild Coast)
Primary shark species on the sardine run; arrives with baitballs