Kingdom Animalia Subclass Elasmobranchii Order Carcharhiniformes Scientific name Rhizoprionodon porosus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Superorder Selachimorpha Family Carcharhinidae Higher classification Rhizoprionodon | |
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Similar Brazilian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon, Shark, Smalltail shark, Pacific sharpnose shark | ||
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.