A small shark common in Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic waters. Among the most common sharks of US southeastern coastlines.

Also called: Sharpnose Shark

Native status: Native; widespread in US coastal Atlantic

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 80–110 cm (32–43 in)
Weight5–8 kg (11–18 lb)
LifespanWild 10–18 years
OrderCarcharhiniformes
FamilyCarcharhinidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a species of requiem shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the subtropical waters of the north-western Atlantic Ocean, between latitudes 43°N and 18°N.

Source: Wikipedia — Atlantic sharpnose shark Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small slender shark with pointed snout; brownish-gray above, white below; small white spots on flanks of adults; characteristic narrow upper labial furrow.

Similar species. Spinner Shark (larger, dramatic spinning behavior). Blacktip Shark (black wing-tips). Smooth Dogfish (different family, smaller).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small bony fish (menhaden, anchovies, killifish), shrimp, crabs, mollusks, marine worms.

Behavior. One of the most common sharks in US Atlantic and Gulf coastal waters. Bears 1–7 live pups annually after 10–11 month gestation. Often caught as bycatch in shark and shrimp fisheries — populations are stable, currently considered well-managed.

§ Range

Atlantic and Gulf coasts

§ Habitat

Coastal Atlantic waters

§ Threats

Bycatch in commercial fisheries, habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the atlantic sharpnose shark is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Buy MSC-certified seafood. Support coastal conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division
  • The Shark Trust
  • IUCN Red List 2020