Bronze Whaler Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus
Bronze Whaler Shark - Marinewise © 2026 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific nameCarcharhinus brachyurus
Other namesBlack-tipped Whaler, Bronze Whaler, Bronzie, Cocktail Shark, Copper Shark, Narrowtooth Shark, New Zealand Whaler
SizeUp to 2.95 m (9.67 ft)
WeightUp to 304 kg (670 lb)
FamilyWhaler Shark / Carcharhinidae

Distribution

Habitat & AU DistributionCoastal & offshore waters, estuaries, bays, harbours & beaches throughout the water column
Depth Range0 - 100 m (328 ft)
Bronze Whaler Shark Distribution
Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Bronze Whaler Sharks are a popular species for recreational fishing in Australia. They are prized by anglers for their large size and fighting ability. Catch and release is a common practice among recreational anglers.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Chondrichthyes

Order: Carcharhiniformes

Family: Carcharhinidae

Genus: Carcharhinus

Species: Carcharhinus brachyurus</p

Conservation Status

The Bronze Whaler Shark is classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This classification means that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

They are protected in some Australian states, including Western Australia and South Australia, but are not protected in other areas.

How to catch
Bronze Whaler Shark

Catch Difficulty: Difficult

Tackle: Circle hook rig

Bait: Fresh cut fish bait, Octopus, Pilchards, Squid, Slimy mackerel, Bonito, Yellowtail scad

Technique: Fish bait near reef or structure, Slowly sink bait toward the bottom

Popularity: Highly popular target species