Species profile
Common Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
Identify Common Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 6 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Common Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is an IUCN Vulnerable shark or ray regulated in 7 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Bag limits are uniform at 1 per angler across the 5 regulating jurisdictions.
Across 5 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 48.0 in.
Confirmed by 765 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Texas, and South Carolina the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- All fins have distinctive black tips that can fade in older adults.
- Blacktip sharks account for the majority of shark bites reported in Florida waters.
- Can reach about 8 feet in length and weigh up to 220 pounds.
- Thousands gather in large seasonal aggregations off Florida beaches each winter.
- Like spinner sharks, blacktips can leap and spin above the water surface while chasing prey.
Where Common Blacktip Shark are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Common Blacktip 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 blacktip shark is a species of requiem shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is common to coastal tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including brackish habitats. Genetic analyses have revealed substantial variation within this species, with populations from the western Atlantic Ocean isolated and distinct from those in the rest of its range. The blacktip shark has a stout,…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Common Blacktip Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Blacktip Shark?
Common Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is an IUCN Vulnerable shark or ray regulated in 7 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Common Blacktip Shark?
Common Blacktip Shark is Carcharhinus limbatus.
Is Common Blacktip Shark regulated for fishing?
Yes — Common Blacktip Shark has fishing regulations in 6 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 Common Blacktip Shark?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Common Blacktip 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.