MORE THAN JUST SARDINES AND DOLPHINS
The annual Sardine Run in South Africa attracts a number of predators from the Cape Gannet birds, dolphins, whales and a variety of shark species. The sharks are often attracted to the massive baitballs of sardines and the larger fish feeding on them, creating a feeding frenzy.
TYPES OF SHARKS YOU CAN ENCOUNTER DURING THE THRILLING SARDINE RUN:
- Copper Shark: Also known as the Bronze Whaler, is one of the most commonly spotted sharks during a run. It is characterized by its streamlined body and bronze coloration.
- Dusky Shark: Also frequently spotted and easily identifiable by their distinctive and powerful appearance due to their dusky grey coloration.
- Spinner Shark: Like the name suggests, the spinner shark is a fast and agile predator. They are known for their displays of spinning leaps to catch their prey.
- Oceanic Blacktip Shark: These sharks are known for being agile swimmers and often display their acrobatic skills when chasing the sardines. They are easily identifiable with distinctive black markings on their dorsal fins.
- Oceanic Whitetip Shark: These sharks are mainly spotted in tropical and subtropical regions in the ocean and are recognized by the white tips of its’ fins. They feed primarily on bony fish and squids. Like the Blacktip sharks, they are also known for taking part in the action during a Sardine Run.
Most likely Spinner Sharks
The diversity of shark species present during the Sardine Run highlights the rich marine biodiversity of the region, making it a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. Diving beside these sharks is a huge part of the sardine run experience, the thrill of seeing a shark smashing into a bait ball is a memory that will last a lifetime!
Most likely Dusky or Bronze Whaler Sharks
