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BLACKNOSE SHARK
Kingdom
Animalia (animals) GENERAL DESCRIPTION Blacknose sharks are relatively small and slender with a somewhat long rounded snout and large eyes. It's common name arises from the characteristic black or dusky spot under the tip of the snout. This spot makes the shark easy to distinguish from other gray shark species that occur in the same region.
The
upper jaw of the blacknose shark has 12-13 rows of teeth on each side
with 11-12 rows on the lower jaw. Teeth on the upper jaw are moderately
narrow and triangular with oblique cusps along with coarser serrations
along the bases than the tips. The lower jaw also has cusped serrated
teeth with broad bases. Blacknose
sharks have an average length of approximately 4.1 feet (125 cm), with
a maximum size of 4.6 feet (140 cm). Maximum age is 10-16 years for
females, and 4.5-9 years for males. DIET AND FEEDING HABITS The Blacknose shark is a quick swimmer, feeding on small fishes including pinfish, croakers, porgies, anchovies, spiny boxfishes, and porcupine fish. It sometimes feeds on octopus. |
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BLACKNOSE SHARK ATTACKS This shark poses little threat to humans and has not been reported in a shark attack case. When confronted by divers, the blacknose shark often gives a threat display by hunching its back with head raised and caudal lowered. HABITAT Blacknose sharks are found in coastal tropical and warm temperate waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It is an inshore species and resides in waters of continental shelves over sandy and coral bottoms. Juveniles are typically found in shallow water while adults live at greater depths of over 30 feet. At times this shark forms large schools. DISTRIBUTION The Blacknose shark is limited to the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina south to southern Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea, Bahamas, and Gulf of Mexico. REPRODUCTION Mating occurs in late May and early June with a 10-11 month gestation period. Litter size is 3-6, with the usual amount of 4. At birth, the young measure 17 x 20" (43-51cm) in length. CONSERVATION EFFORTS Haai Inc. is highlighting this shark due to the fack that the latest stock assessment performed by NOAA has found that is population has been depleted by the rate of fishing, both directed and incidental. Proposed measures could result in a rebuilding of the population by 2027. In educating the public about this beautiful shark we hope to promote awareness of this opportunity to increase its population. |
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