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Daggernose shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus) — Carcharhinidae

Daggernose shark

Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus
CR · Critically Endangered

The Daggernose shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 160 cm.

Length
160 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The daggernose shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus) is a small requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae from coastal waters of northern South America. The species is instantly recognised by its extremely long, pointed, dagger-shaped snout and very small eyes, and reaches about 1.6 metres. It lives close inshore over rocky bottoms and enters estuaries and river mouths. The diet consists of small schooling fishes such as herrings, anchovies and croakers. The species is viviparous, usually with four embryos per litter. Owing to its very limited range and bycatch in coastal fisheries it is Critically Endangered (CR) and is considered one of the most threatened sharks.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Daggernose shark?

The Daggernose shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Daggernose shark live?

The Daggernose shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Daggernose shark get?

The Daggernose shark grows to a maximum of about 160 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Daggernose shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Daggernose shark is harmless to humans.

Is the Daggernose shark edible?

Yes, the Daggernose shark is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dolkneushaai sourced
English name
Daggernose shark verified
Scientific name
Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus
Family
Carcharhinidae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
160.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
12.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Carcharhinidae

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