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Pacific sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon longurio) — Carcharhinidae

Pacific sharpnose shark

Rhizoprionodon longurio
VU · Vulnerable

The Pacific sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon longurio) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 110 cm.

Length
110 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific sharpnose shark is a small requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.1 metres and has a slender, grey-brown body with a long, pointed snout, to which the name refers. Adults live on the continental shelf, most commonly near shore. As a predator it hunts small fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Reproduction is viviparous. Though small and not regarded as dangerous to humans, it remains a shark with sharp teeth; owing to fishing it is listed as Vulnerable (VU).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacific sharpnose shark?

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

Where does the Pacific sharpnose shark live?

The Pacific sharpnose shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pacific sharpnose shark get?

The Pacific sharpnose shark grows to a maximum of about 110 cm.

Is the Pacific sharpnose shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacific sharpnose shark is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacific sharpnose shark edible?

Yes, the Pacific sharpnose shark is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische scherpsnuithaai sourced
English name
Pacific sharpnose shark verified
Scientific name
Rhizoprionodon longurio
Family
Carcharhinidae
Other names
Pacific sharpnose shark; Pacific sharp-nosed shark; Sharpnose shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
110.0 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
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

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

Same genus Rhizoprionodon

More from the family Carcharhinidae

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