Fin's Fish Guide
The Milk shark (Rhizoprionodon acutus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 175 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along West Africa and widely distributed in the Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The milk shark is a small, slender requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae reaching about 1.8 metres, though usually smaller. The grey-brown, streamlined body has a strikingly long, pointed snout and large eyes. The species lives in schools in shallow coastal water and estuaries of the eastern Atlantic along West Africa and is widespread in the Indian and western Pacific; it tolerates brackish water. It hunts mainly small fish, shrimps, squid and crustaceans. The milk shark is viviparous and bears a few young per litter. It is one of the most common coastal sharks and harmless to people, but through intensive coastal fishing it has declined and is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Milk shark?
The Milk shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, slender requiem shark with a long, pointed snout and large eyes; a common coastal shark of warm seas, harmless to humans.
Where does the Milk shark live?
The Milk shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along West Africa and widely distributed in the Indian and western Pacific Ocean, in shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Milk shark get?
The Milk shark grows to a maximum of about 175 cm. On average the species is around 110 cm.
Is the Milk shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Milk shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Milk shark edible?
Yes, the Milk shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Milk 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 Rhizoprionodon
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Milk shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Milk shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.