Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are
one of the most common shark species
found inshore off the coast of Florida. Although the majority of shark
bites in Florida are likely
attributable to this species, there
has never been a fatal attackcredited to this species in this region.
Scientific
name: |
Carcharhinus limbatus
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Distribution: |
Off
the east coast of the United States blacktip sharks range from New
England to Mexico but are most commonly found between North
Carolina and Texas, especially
in spring and summer. |
Habitat: |
This shark inhabits shallow
coastal waters and estuaries and offshore surface waters. Blacktip
sharks use shallow inshore waters from South Carolina to Texas as
nursery areas for their pups in spring and summer. They can be found
in groups as young or adults feeding in shallow water. |
Life history: |
This species is a relatively
fast growing shark, reaching maturity at about 4-5 years of age and
living longer than 10 years. Number of pups per litter is usually
4 to 6. Maximum size of blacktips off the U.S. eastern seaboard is
about 6 feet in length |
Management: |
In the Atlantic,
blacktip sharks are part of the large coastal shark management group,
which is overfished; commercial and recreational fishing regulations
are in place for this species. In the Pacific, blacktip sharks are
not landed in commercial and recreational fisheries and no management
measures are in place for this species. Finning is prohibited. |
Fast Facts
About Sharks
Sharks are vulnerable
to fishing pressure because they:
- Grow slowly
- Take many years to mature (12 to 18 years
in some species)
- Often reproduce only every other year
- Have few young per brood (only 2 pups in
some species)
- Have specific requirements for nursery areas
(bays and estuaries)
- Are caught in many types of fishing gear
(hook and line, gillnet, trawl)
Sharks have adaptations allowing them to be apex predators
including:
- Teeth that are replaced throughout their
life
- Sensitive smell receptors
- Eyes that adapt quickly to low light levels
- Lateral line receptors that sense movement
in the water
- Electroreceptors that detect electrical
fields due to the presence of prey
For Further Information Contact: (301) 713-2370
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