Take a closer look at Bull Sharks in Freshwater: Risk Level, Behavior, and River Safety Guide in our detailed breakdown.

Documented encounters span multiple continents. The table below outlines verified upstream migration ranges, typical salinity thresholds, and the primary biological drivers behind inland travel across four major river systems.

River System / Basin Max Verified Inland Range Salinity Profile Primary Driver
Mississippi River Basin (USA) Alton, Illinois (~1,750 miles) 0.0, 0.5 ppt (Pure Freshwater) Summer baitfish migrations, warm water plumes
Amazon River (Brazil / Peru) Iquitos, Peru (~2,500 miles) 0.0, 0.2 ppt (Pure Freshwater) Foraging runs targeting large freshwater teleosts
San Juan River / Lake Nicaragua Full lake transit (~120 miles) 0.0, 0.1 ppt (Lacustrine) Year-round nursery residency and breeding loops
Brisbane River & Canals (Australia) Mount Crosby Weir (~40 miles) 0.5, 15.0 ppt (Brackish to Fresh) Juvenile nursery habitat, tidal foraging