Shark - Creek Whaler

Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp teeth of sharks when handling them. The eating qualities of creek whalers less than 120 cm (4 feet) long can be improved by killing them humanely by iki jime or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding. Sharks larger than around 120 cm (4 feet) long should be dispatched with a captive bolt tool or firearm (with appropriate safety precautions).

Fish Description:

• A relatively small but stout shark, grey bronze above and whitish below, with a pointed snout and pale margins on the pectoral fins.
  
• Females mature at between 90-100 cm (around 3 feet) long and produce litters of 1 to 7 young.
  
• Feeds mainly on fishes and crustaceans and unlikely to be dangerous to humans, though they can inflict a nasty bite if handled carelessly.

Fish Distribution:

• Creek whalers have a restricted distribution and occur only in the Arafura sea and throughout tropical and warm temperate regions of northern Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland.
  
• This species occurs in creeks, rivers and estuaries as well as shallow waters close inshore to depths of around 50 meters.

Fish Size Common Length:

Usually encountered between 75 and 100 cm (2.5 -3 feet) long, maximum size around 135 cm (4.5 feet) long and 15 kg (30 pounds).