Typically, smaller sharks can be found in coastal nurseries and adults further offshore over deeper water. Small silky sharks are commonly associated with schools of tuna. Pectoral fins are long and slender, typically with dusky tips. Tips of fins other than first dorsal dusky, more conspicuous in juveniles. Rep. NMFS Circ.
Lower teeth erect with smooth edges.
Usually 1 or 2 symphysial teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. For example, populations in the Pacific and Indian oceans generally have a smaller size at maturation. This species feeds primarily on a variety of bony fish, cephalopods, and to a lesser extent, crustaceans. The gestation period is about 12 months. Neonates spend first the few months in near reefs but move to the open ocean by the first winter.