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ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE SHARK
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
SIZE
To about 4 ft (1.2 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Dorsal surfaces brownish-gray with scattered white spots in adults, white below; dorsal and caudal fins black-edged in juveniles
- Second dorsal fin originating over or behind midpoint of anal fin
- Mouth with long labial furrows around corners
- No interdorsal ridge
DISTRIBUTION
NJ to FL, including Gulf of Mexico, with strays north to New Brunswick, Canada.
HABITAT
Coastal; shallow water ranging to 919 ft (280 m), often close to surf zone; enclosed bays, sounds, harbors, marine to brackish estuaries.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Finetooth shark lacks white dorsal spots; has second dorsal fin originating between origin and midpoint of anal fins. Blacknose shark lacks white dorsal spots; has dusky blotch at tip of snout. Smooth dogfish lacks white dorsal spots; has nearly equally sized dorsal fins, spiracles. Spiny dogfish lacks anal fin; has white spots on body, spines at origins of both dorsal fins.
MORE INFORMATION
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Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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