Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Porbeagle Shark

Porbeagle Shark

Lamna nasus

Not aggressive

A stocky, warm-blooded mackerel shark that thrives in cooler Atlantic waters.

Maximum size

1.8–3.7 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive

Habitat

Cold and temperate Atlantic; reaches the western approaches to the Strait seasonally.

Ecology

Endothermic — maintains body temperature above the surrounding water.

Feeding

Schooling pelagic fish (mackerel, herring) and cephalopods.

Behaviour

Active, fast swimmer; sometimes appears playful around boats.

Safety notes for visitors

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

Species-specific: Almost no recorded interactions with humans.

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: Vulnerable.

Sources & Citations

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