Is Bull shark kosher?

Bull shark is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Its skin is covered in tooth-like denticles, not true removable scales, so bull shark is not kosher.

What is the scientific name of Bull shark?

The scientific name of Bull shark is Carcharhinus leucas.

Does Bull shark have fins and scales?

Bull shark does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Bull shark sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Bull shark is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Bull shark is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Bull shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Not Kosher

Has fins but no scales

Fins Yes

Scales No

Description

The bull shark, also known as the Zambezi shark in Africa and Lake Nicaragua shark in Nicaragua, is a species of requiem shark commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. It is known for its aggressive nature, and presence mainly in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems.

Bull sharks turn up worldwide in warm, shallow water along coasts and in rivers. They're euryhaline, meaning they thrive in both salt and fresh water, and have been recorded 4,000 km up the Amazon and living in Lake Nicaragua. Despite that, they aren't true freshwater sharks like the river sharks of the genus Glyphis.

Also known as

Zambezi shark
Lake Nicaragua shark
cub shark
river shark

Gallery

Bull shark — Alive — Alive · Albert Kok at Dutch Wikipedia / Public domain

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Has fins but no true scales, only tooth-like placoid denticles, so it is not kosher.
Sometimes called the Zambezi shark in Africa or the Lake Nicaragua shark, which can cause confusion at market.