A-Z Index

SPINNER SHARK

Carcharhinus brevipinna

To about 9 ft (2.7 m).

Anal, first and second dorsal, pectoral, and lower caudal fins black-tipped (look as if dipped in jet black paint) in specimens >2.6 ft (0.8 m)
First dorsal fin fairly small, originating over or just behind free tips of pectoral fins, apex rounded
Snout pointed, as long as or longer than width of mouth
Color gray or bronze above with light, conspicuous wedge-shaped band or Z-shaped line on sides beginning near pectoral fins, gradually widening rearward to pelvic fins to merge with white on belly
No interdorsal ridge

VA to FL, including Gulf of Mexico; possibly into Caribbean.

Coastal and offshore. Common in shallow waters <100 ft (30 m).

Blacktip shark, most difficult to distinguish, has all black-tipped fins except for white anal fin. Finetooth shark has unmarked fins, shorter snout, longer gills. Sandbar shark, dusky shark, night shark, and silky shark have interdorsal ridges.