Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

Family Carcharhinidae, REQUIEM SHARKS
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

 

 

 

9. Shark: Special heavy-duth tackle required. Usually sought by a small band of nightime anglers around the tip of the north jetty. Spinner and blacktip sharks are favorites. Chunks of bleeding fish, such as bonito and jack crevalle used for bait. Limit is one a person or two a boat. No size limit

Description: long and flattened snout; white trailing edge of pectoral; black-edged dorsal and caudal fins, especially when young; may have small whitish spots on sides; furrows in lips at the corners of the mouth; outer margin of teeth notched; second dorsal fin originates over middle of anal fin; brown to olive-gray in color with white underside; slender body.

Similar Fish: other carcharhinids.

Where found: INSHORE species, even found in surf; also common in bays and estuaries; adults occur OFFSHORE.

Size: small species, 2 to 4 feet.

Florida Record: n/a

Remarks: mature adults between 2 and 2.75 feet long; 4-7 newborns range from 9 to 14 inches in length; adults feed on small fish and crustaceans.