Species profile
Caribbean Sharpnose Shark
Rhizoprionodon porosus
Identify Caribbean Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Caribbean Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) is an IUCN Vulnerable invertebrate regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Listed under CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- One of the smaller requiem sharks, typically reaching about 110 cm (3.5 feet) at maturity.
- Found in shallow coastal waters throughout the Caribbean and western Atlantic.
- Gives birth to 2–6 live pups after roughly 11 months of gestation.
- Reaches sexual maturity in as little as 2–3 years — unusually fast for a shark.
- Its long, pointed snout is the key feature distinguishing it from similar small coastal sharks.
Jurisdictions with rules for Caribbean Sharpnose Shark
Protected status
- CITES Appendix II (Carcharhinidae — all requiem sharks, CoP19 effective Nov 2023).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The Caribbean sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) is a requiem shark, and part of the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, between latitudes 28° N and 40° S, from the surface to a depth of 500 m. It can reach a length of about 1.1 m.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Caribbean Sharpnose Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other invertebrates on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Caribbean Sharpnose Shark?
Caribbean Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) is an IUCN Vulnerable invertebrate regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Caribbean Sharpnose Shark?
Caribbean Sharpnose Shark is Rhizoprionodon porosus.
Is Caribbean Sharpnose Shark regulated for fishing?
Yes — Caribbean Sharpnose Shark has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Caribbean Sharpnose Shark?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Caribbean Sharpnose Shark along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.