A-Z Index

SANDBAR SHARK

Carcharhinus plumbeus

Sandbar Shark

SIZE

To about 8 ft (2.4 m).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

First dorsal fin large, triangular, originating over or slightly before pectoral insertion
Pectoral fins large, broad
Snout shorter than width of mouth
Color brownish-gray or brown above, white below
Interdorsal ridge

DISTRIBUTION

Cape Cod, MA, to FL, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

HABITAT

Inshore shallow coastal waters, including bays, harbors, and estuaries; typically in waters 5-180 ft (2-55 m); also offshore, occasionally to 600-810 ft (183-247 m); bottom dwelling.

SIMILAR SPECIES

Blacktip shark, spinner shark, and bull shark lack interdorsal ridges. Dusky shark, most difficult to distinguish, attains larger maximum size (12 ft (3.7m)); has proportionally smaller, swept-back fins, with first dorsal fin farther back over free tips of pectoral fins. Bignose shark has longer snout, smaller first dorsal fin. Silky shark has smaller first dorsal fin, which is rounded, swept back, and set farther behind free tips of pectoral fins; second dorsal fin free tip length usually more than twice fin height.