Atlantic sharpnose shark
📖 Overview
Reaches at least 103 cm TL . Abundant in the continental shelves, from the intertidal to deeper waters. Often occurs close to the surf zone off sandy beaches, and also enclosed bays, sounds, and harbors, in estuaries and river mouths. Feeds on small bony fishes, shrimps, crabs, segmented worms and mollusks (gastropod feet). Viviparous, with 1 to 7 young in a litter . Size at birth about 29 to 37 cm. Utilized for human consumption. Minimum depth from Ref. 055195.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Small, generally gray, streamlined shark, with long pointed snout. Posterior margin of anal fin straight or slightly concave. Second dorsal fin origin well behind anal fin origin .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Atlantic sharpnose shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing with embrace . Viviparous, placental . 1 to 7 young per litter. Larger females carry more young. Size at birth 29-37 cm. Gestation period is 10 to 11 months in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Sex ratio of near term fetuses is 1:1 .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 0 - 280 m , usually 0 - 10 m . Subtropical; 43°N - 25°S, 100°W - 32°W Southwest Atlantic: coasts of Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
small bony fishes, shrimps, crabs, segmented worms and mollusks (gastropod feet)
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Atlantic sharpnose shark |
| 🇫🇷French | Requin à nez pointu |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | cazón de ley · cazón de playa |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhizoprionodon terraenova | Richardson | 1836 | Synonym |
| Scoliodon terraenovae | Richardson | 1836 | Synonym |
| Squalus terraenovae | Richardson | 1836 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 58 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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