Requiem sharks
Atlantic sharpnose shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
A small, quick coastal shark commonly found in surf zones, estuaries, and shallow nearshore water.
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Every figure uses the same scale. The shark image is shown at the species’ published maximum length; individual animals vary.
Surf zones, estuaries, harbors, and shallow coastal water; it moves farther offshore in winter.
New Brunswick through the Gulf of Mexico and south along the western Atlantic to Brazil.
Usually shallower than 32 ft; recorded much deeper
Small fish, worms, shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.
Long pointed snout, large eyes, and white spots or blotches on many adults.
Live-bearing; females return to nearshore areas to deliver litters commonly containing 4–7 pups.
Species facts
Did you know?
Its snout is longer than the width of its mouth.
It is among the most frequently caught small coastal sharks along the U.S. Atlantic coast.