Texas state waters, out to 9 miles
Federally prohibited shark (Galapagos) — release in the water with minimal injury.
TPWD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Dusky sharkNearly identical; dusky is the coastal one. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkTaller, more forward dorsal. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Stocky gray requiem shark with a tall first dorsal fin and an interdorsal ridge; offshore islands and seamounts, rarely inshore. More on the galapagos shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep galapagos shark in Texas?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Texas. Release it in the water where you can. Federally prohibited shark (Galapagos) — release in the water with minimal injury.
How current is this Texas galapagos shark rule?
Source: TPWD 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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