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Sea SharksAtlantic
sharpnose shark
Atlantic sharpnose shark
Common Name: Atlantic sharpnose shark
Scientific Name: Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Description
The
Atlantic sharpnose shark, named for its long,
pointed snout, is one of at least five shark species found
in South Carolina estuaries (where
rivers meet the sea). This predatory fish averages less than
three feet in length and feeds mainly on shrimp, crabs, worms,
and small fish.
Coloration
Grey
to grey-brown with white ventral surface. Adults have small
light (white) dots on body, white margins on pectoral fins
and and dusky dorsal fin tips
Distribution
Western
North Atlantic: New Brunswick to Florida, Bahamas and Gulf
of Mexico.
Biology
Abundant.
Lives over continental shelf, mainly in shallow water (less
than 30 ft) but has been found down to 900 ft. Tolerant to
different salinities, and can be found in estuaries and river
mouths. During winter months they migrate into deeper waters.
Sharpnose sharks can form big schools of same sex and size.
Feeding
Small
fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Size: Average size between
2.5 to 3 ft, maximum total length about 4 ft.
Reproduction
Gives
birth to live young (viviparous, with yolksac-placenta). Normally
4 to 6 pups per litter, although can vary from 1 to 7. Pups
are born in unprotected nursery grounds. Fast growth, reaching
maturity after 3 to 4 years with a size of 2 to 2.5 ft. (males)
and 2.5 to 3 ft. (females).
Similar
Species
None.
This is the species locally called "sand sharks"
Population
Status
Common
Danger
to Humans
Harmless
(although any species of captured shark can - and will try
- to bite a careless angler).
Newfoundland,
Canada, to Argentina, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean
Sea. Common in U.S. Northeast and mid-Atlantic.
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