Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitenose shark (Nasolamia velox) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The whitenose shark is a reef shark from the eastern Pacific, from Baja California and the Gulf of California to Peru. The species grows to about 1.5 metres and has a slender, grey body with a conspicuous white snout tip and large eyes. As a coastal dweller of the continental shelf between about 15 and 192 metres it hunts small bony fish such as anchovies, and crabs. It is regarded as harmless; no attacks on people are known. Through fishing pressure it is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitenose shark?
The Whitenose shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly white snout tip; harmless coastal reef shark
Where does the Whitenose shark live?
The Whitenose shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Whitenose shark get?
The Whitenose shark grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Whitenose shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitenose shark is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Whitenose shark edible?
The Whitenose shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitenose shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitenose shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.