Fin's Fish Guide
The Bignose shark (Carcharhinus altimus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 300 cm.
Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and above the slope area, usually in deeper water.
Description
The bignose shark is a robust requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae reaching about 3 metres. The grey, streamlined body has a long, broad snout with large nostrils - hence the name - large pectoral fins and a conspicuously high skin ridge between the two dorsal fins. The species is widely distributed in warm and temperate seas worldwide, including the Mediterranean, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and over the slope, usually in deeper water. Close to the bottom it hunts bottom fish, rays, small sharks and squid. It is viviparous. Because it is taken as bycatch in longline and trawl fisheries it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bignose shark?
The Bignose shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large requiem shark with a long, broad snout, large pectoral fins and a high dermal ridge between the two dorsal fins.
Where does the Bignose shark live?
The Bignose shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, along the outer edge of the continental shelf and above the slope area, usually in deeper water.
How big does the Bignose shark get?
The Bignose shark grows to a maximum of about 300 cm. On average the species is around 250 cm.
Is the Bignose shark dangerous to humans?
The Bignose shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a predatory shark with sharp teeth: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the Bignose shark edible?
The Bignose shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bignose shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carcharhinus
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bignose shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bignose shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.