Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE SHARK - Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Family Carcharhinidae, REQUIEM SHARKS

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