Atlantic sharpnose shark

The Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) is a species of requiem shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the subtropical waters of the north-western Atlantic Ocean, between latitudes 43°N and 18°N.

Description

The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a small shark in comparison to others. The Atlantic sharpnose shark's maximum species length is known to be about . Although its average adult size tends to be about . Reports exist of these sharks living up to 19 years in the wild. A distinctive feature is that juveniles have black edges on the dorsal and caudal fins.

• Top view
  Top view
• Head, bottom view
  Head, bottom view
• Jaws
  Jaws
• Upper teeth
  Upper teeth
• Lower teeth
  Lower teeth

Habitat

Atlantic sharpnose sharks can be found as far north as New Brunswick, Canada, to as far south as the southern Gulf of Mexico. Reports of specimens from Brazil are likely being confused with the Brazilian sharpnose shark. Atlantic sharpnose sharks prefer to live in warmer shallow coastal waters. As they are often found in waters less than deep. Although Atlantic sharpnose reportedly were found at deep.

Feeding habits

The diet of the Atlantic sharpnose sharks mostly consists of bony fish, worms, shrimp, crabs, and mollusks. Commonly consumed fish include menhaden, eels, silversides, wrasses, jacks, toadfish, and filefish.

Maturation

Atlantic sharpnose sharks are born ranging from a length of . For the first three months after birth, they grow an average of per month. Then, in the winter and spring, the average growth rate decreases to per month until the shark reaches a length of , in which the shark's growth rate increases linearly about per month for about a year. Males mature at the age of 2–3 years at a length of , while females seem to mature at the age of 2.5–3.5 years old, at a length around .

Reproduction

Female Atlantic sharpnose sharks are viviparous, and tend to have a litter of four to six pups, but litter size may range from one to seven pups, after a gestation period of 10–11 months. The pups are usually born at between in total length. Females are found in the marine estuaries during the late spring, but they breed mostly throughout the year.

Captivity

Generally, Atlantic sharpnose sharks are better suited for public aquaria, or very experienced private shark aquarists who are capable of caring for them. These sharks are highly active swimmers and require ample space. Also, these sharks tend to do best in small schools of at least three sharks. Tanks or ponds which are round or oval-shaped are best suited for these sharks. They have been reported to live at least 4 years in captivity.