Fin's Fish Guide
The Finetooth shark (Carcharhinus isodon) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Western Atlantic along the southeast coast of North America and in the Gulf of Mexico, in shallow, turbid coastal water and surf.
Description
The finetooth shark is a slender, blue-grey requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae reaching about 2 metres. The streamlined body has large eyes, a pointed snout and, unlike many relatives, fine, smooth-edged teeth with which it grips small schooling fish. The species forms large schools in shallow, turbid coastal water and surf along the southeastern coast of North America and in the Gulf of Mexico, and migrates seasonally along the coast. It hunts mainly small schooling fish, supplemented with squid and shrimps. It is viviparous; the young are born in shallow nursery areas. Through fishing and bycatch it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Finetooth shark?
The Finetooth shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, blue-grey requiem shark with large eyes, a pointed snout and fine, smooth-edged teeth; forms large shoals in shallow coastal water.
Where does the Finetooth shark live?
The Finetooth shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic along the southeast coast of North America and in the Gulf of Mexico, in shallow, turbid coastal water and surf.
How big does the Finetooth shark get?
The Finetooth shark grows to a maximum of about 200 cm.
Is the Finetooth shark dangerous to humans?
The Finetooth 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 Finetooth shark edible?
Yes, the Finetooth shark is commonly eaten.
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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 Finetooth shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Finetooth shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.