Caribbean sharpnose shark

Caribbean sharpnose shark
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Superorder: Selachimorpha
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Rhizoprionodon
Species: R. porosus
Binomial name
Rhizoprionodon porosus
(Poey, 1861)

The Caribbean sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) is a requiem shark, and part of the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, between latitudes 28° N and 40° S, from the surface to a depth of 500 m. It can reach a length of about 1.1 m.

Life history

The maximum reported size for the Caribbean sharpnose shark is 110 cm (43 inches). The average adult size appears to be about 80-89 cm (31.5-35 inches). Both sexes seem to reach maturity at about 65-70 cm (25.6-27.5 inches) in length, and just over 2 years old. The life span is estimated to be about 8-10 years old. This species was once confused as being the same species as the Atlantic sharpnose shark - however difference in vertebra counts indicate that it is a separate species. Reproduction and litter size is similar to those of the Atlantic sharpnose shark.

References

  1. Lessa, R., Quijano, S.M., Santana, F.M. & Monzini, J. (2006). Rhizoprionodon porosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T61407A12473033.en
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