Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Blue Shark

Blue Shark

Prionace glauca

Not aggressive

Slender, indigo-blue oceanic shark — one of the most wide-ranging vertebrates on Earth.

Maximum size

1.8–3.4 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive

Habitat

Open pelagic waters; commonly transits the Strait between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Ecology

Highly migratory and heavily impacted by longline fisheries.

Feeding

Opportunistic feeder on small pelagic fish, squid and occasionally seabirds and carrion.

Behaviour

Curious and may approach divers and boats, but generally non-confrontational.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Rarely implicated in unprovoked attacks. Avoid feeding or chumming near swimmers.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Near Threatened.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.