Fin's Fish Guide
The Spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 300 cm.
Widespread in tropical and temperate seas worldwide, in coastal water and above the continental shelf.
Description
The spinner shark is a slender, fast requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae reaching about 3 metres. The grey-bronze, streamlined body has a pointed snout and, in adults, black tips on most fins, making it closely resemble the blacktip shark. Its name comes from its spectacular hunting technique: it shoots vertically up through a fish school while spinning, snapping prey as it turns, and sometimes leaps clear of the water. The species is widely distributed in warm seas worldwide, in coastal water and over the continental shelf. It is viviparous. Through heavy fishing and bycatch it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spinner shark?
The Spinner shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, fast requiem shark with a pointed snout and black fin tips; hunts spinning through a shoal of fish and sometimes leaps out of the water while doing so.
Where does the Spinner shark live?
The Spinner shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in tropical and temperate seas worldwide, in coastal water and above the continental shelf.
How big does the Spinner shark get?
The Spinner shark grows to a maximum of about 300 cm. On average the species is around 250 cm.
Is the Spinner shark dangerous to humans?
The Spinner shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a large predatory shark with powerful jaws: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the Spinner shark edible?
Yes, the Spinner shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spinner 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 Spinner shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spinner shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.