Small requiem shark, with a moderately long and pointed snout. Eyes are large (diameter about 1.6 to 2.5 % of total body length). First dorsal fin is large and falcate, bluntly rounded apex. Origin over the inner margins of the pectorals (can also be found slightly posterior to pectoral insertion). Second dorsal fin relatively low (2.2 to 2.8 % of the shark"s total body length). Origin over or slightly behind the midbase of the anal fin. Small pectoral fins, falcate and narrowly rounded or pointed. No interdorsal ridge present.
Coloration
Grey upper body, light ventral surface. Tips of pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins sometimes have inconspicuous dusky or blackish marks. Sometimes have an inconspicuous white band on flanks.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Northern Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil (probably not in the Caribbean). Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Peru.
Biology
A common shark of the continental shelf, swims preferably near the bottom, down to at least 35 m. Prefers muddy bottoms and estuaries.
Diet
Feeds on fishes, to a lesser extent on invertebrates (shrimp).
Size
Maximum size about 130 cm, average size between 90 and 110 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac-placenta (gives birth to live young). 2 to 9 pups per litter. Gestation period probably 10 months and more. Males reach sexual maturity at about 75 cm, females at about 85 cm. Size at birth between 30 and 40 cm.
Similar Species
Other small requiem sharks look very similar and taxonomic features should be used to clearly distinguish between the species.
Vulnerability
Category:Critically Endangered (CR) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2020 Trend: