English sharks web.pdf

7/29/2019 English sharks web.pdf

1/61I

A eld guide to theelasmobranchs of

south-east Arabia

Al J. ReeveMeriem Kayoueche-Reeve

Tariq Al-MamariSulaiman Al-Shuaily

Aaron C. Henderson

Part one: Sharks

Sharks, guitarsh, sawsh and rays.

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Thomas Vignaud


2/61II

IntroductionShark Project Oman

This identication guide was created to help shermen, ministry ofcials, divers and members of

the public to accurately identify sharks and related species seen whilst at sea, at landing sites or in

sh markets. Although it is primarily aimed at Oman, we have not limited the guide to those species

that have been recorded from Oman. The distributions of many shark, ray and guitarsh species

across the northern Indian Ocean is somewhat unclear, and it is still common to encounter species

in Omani waters that had not been previously recorded here. Therefore, we have included many

additional species from across the region, which might potentially turn up in Oman. Species that

have been conrmed from Oman during the course of our research are indicated by the presence

of an Omani ag.

It is important to note that the taxonomic status of many species in the region is unclear at

present. Some species may in fact be collections of cryptic species, i.e. morphologically similar

species which are extremely difcult to distinguish from each other. This is particularly true for

certain species of ray and guitarsh and, where applicable, we have included notes to indicate

where this looks likely to be the case. Molecular studies are currently underway to elucidate the

taxonomic status of these species, and a revised species guide will be produced once these studies

have been completed.

Among the species in this guide are three un-described guitarshes, which are referred to by the

species codes RHX, RHY and RHZ (guitarsh species X, guitarsh species Y and guitarsh speciesZ). We are currently performing molecular and morphological analyses on these new species, with

a view to providing full scientic descriptions of them in due course.

Finally, it is quite possible that a completely unexpected species might be encountered in Oman

waters! If none of the species descriptions included in this guide seem to match a shark, ray or

guitarsh that you encounter, please feel free to forward the details of your interesting specimen

(with photographs, if at all possible) to [email protected] .


3/61III

This elasmobranch identication guide is designed to aid with the identication of species found in

Omani waters. A number of features allow for easy use.The guide is split into four groups, which are colour coded as follows; sharks, guitarsh, rays and

sawsh. The tab for each section can be found in the top right hand corner of the guide.

To assist in identication, each group can be split further; coloured tabs on the right hand side of the

page are used to identify each section (interdorsal ridge, family and size).

Interdorsal ridge - presence or absence of a prominant ridge on the back of the shark between

the dorsal ns on the back of the shark.

No interdorsal ridge Interdorsal ridge

shark familiesEchinorhinidae Squatinidae Heterodontidae Hemiscyllidae

Ginglystomatidae Stegostomatidae Rhincodontidae Odontaspididae

Alopiidae Lamnidae Scyliorhinidae Proscyllidae

Triakidae Hemigaleidae Carcharhinidae Sphyrnidae

Guitarsh families

Rhinidae Rhinobatidae Rhynchobatidae

Ray families

Dasyatidae Gymnuridae Myliobatidae Mobulidae

Torpedinidae Narcinidae

Sawsh family

Pristidae

Maximum length of animal

> 1m < 1m

Each page of the guide contains the following information:

A three letter local identication code which is unique to each species. It is followed, where itexists, by a second code in brackets; this is the ofcial Food and Agriculture Orgaanisation (FAO)

code for this species.

The English common name of the species.

The scientic name of the species.

Average size at birth and maximum length as an adult.

The key features to identify a species and, where applicable, similar species. How to identify

between these species along with other information that will aid identication (limited to species

known to occur in the region).

Each page of the guide aims to have the following information:

A photograph of the species, underside of the head and the upper and lower teeth.

A line drawing of the species and underside of the head.

Where gaps exist, images are required and would be greatly recieved by the authors.

Using the guide


4/61IV

Glossary of terms Ampullae - special sensing organs forming a network of jelly lled canals found in the snout.

Anal n - a single n on the ventral surface of the tail between the pelvic ns and caudal nsof some sharks.

Anterior- forward, in the longitudinal direction of the snout tip.

Apex - in pre-caudal ns, the distal tips can be acutely pointed to broadly round (apices plural).

Barbels - long conical paired dermal lobes on the snouts of sharks.

Bilobed - dividing into or having two lobes.

Capacious - large in volume.

Caudal n - tail n.

Caudal keel - a dermal keel on each side of the caudal peduncle that may extend onto thebase of the caudal n.

Caudal peduncle - that part of the peduncle tail extending from the insertions of the dorsal

and anal ns to the front of the caudal n.

Cephalic aps - coiled cranial projections used in feeding.

Concave - curving inwards.

Convex - curving outwards.

Cusps - a pointed large distal projection from the crown of the tooth.

Cusplet- as with a cusp, but a small projection in association with a cusp. Distal - in any direction at the far end of a structure.

Dorsal n - a n located on the trunk and/or pre-caudal tail of the animal between the head

and caudal n. Most sharks have two dorsal ns.

Elasmobranch -

Falcate - sickle shaped.

Insertion - where a n joins the body.

Interdorsal ridge - a ridge of skin on the mid-back of sharks, in line with and between the

rst and second dorsal ns.

Labial furrow - grooves around the mouth angles on the outer surface of the jaws.

Lateral - outwards, in the transverse direction towards the periphery of the body.

Medial - inwards, in the transverse direction towards the middle of the body.

Ocelli - eye-like marking in which the central colour is bordered in a full or broken ring of

another colour.

Ovate - oval shaped.

Pectoral n - a symmetrical pair of ns on each side of the trunk just behind the head and in

front of the abdomen.

Pelagic - living in the open ocean.

Transverse - across the long axis of the body.


5/61V

Glossary of terms Pelvic n - a symmetrical pair of ns on each side of the trunk between the abdomen and

precaudal tail. Posterior- rearwards, in the longitudinal direction of the caudal n tip or tail lament.

Rhomboidal - kite or diamond shaped outline.

Rostrum - the cartilaginous anterior most structure that supports the prenasal snout

including lateral line canals and masses of ampullae.

Sunusoidal - s shaped.

Spiracle - a respiratory opening behind the eye of some species.

Tubercles - dome like projection .

Taken from: L. Compagno, Dando, M., Fowler, S. 2005. Sharks of the world. Princeton University Press.

New Jersey, USA. 368 pages.


6/61VI

Contents: sharksPage Number Scientic Name Common Name Code

6 Echinorhinus brucus Bramble shark EEB (SHB)7 Squatina africana African angel shark SQA (SUF)

8 Heterodontus omanensis Oman bullhead shark HEO

9 Chiloscyllium arabicum Arabian bamboo shark HCA (ORA)

10 Chiloscyllium griseum Grey bamboo shark HCG (ORR)

11 Nebrius ferrugineus Tawny nurse shark GNF (ORZ)

12 Stegostoma fasciatum Zebra shark SSF (OSF)

13 Rhincodon typus Whale shark RRT (RHN)

14 Carcharhinus taurus Sandtiger shark OST (CCT)

15 Alopias pelagicus Pelagic thresher shark AAP (PTH)16 Alopias superciliosus Bigeye thresher shark ASS (BTH)

17 Alopius vulpinus Thresher shark AAV (ALV)

18 Isurus oxyrhinchus Shortn mako shark SMA (SMA)

19 Isurus paucus Longn mako LMA (LMA)

20 Apisturus indicus Smallbelly catshark SAI (APD)

21 Cephaloscyllium sufans Balloon shark CBS (CPH)

22 Halaelurus boesemani Speckled catshark HCS (HAB)

23 Eridacnis radcliffei Pygmy ribbontail catshark EPR (PEA)

24 Hypogaleus hyugaensis Blacktip tope HYB (THH)

25 Iago omanensis Bigeye houndshark TLO (TIO)

26 Mustelus mosis Arabian smoothound TMO (MTM)

27 Chaenogaleus macrostoma Hooktooth shark HCM (HCM)

28 Hemipristis elongata Snaggletooth shark HHE (HEE)

29 Paragaleus randalii Slender weasel shark PRA

30 Carcharhinus albimarginatus Silvertip shark CCV (ALS)

31 Carcharhinus altimus Bignose shark CCA

32 Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides Graceful shark CCG (CCY)

33 Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Grey Reef shark CCK (AML)

34 Carcharhinus amboinensis Pigeye shark CCH (CCF)

35 Carcharhinus brevipinna Spinner shark CCB (CCB)

36 Carcharhinus dussumieri Whitecheek shark CCW (CCD)

37 Carcharhinus falciformis Silky shark FAL (FAL)

38 Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos shark CCG

39 Carcharhinus hemiodon Pondicherry shark CCC (CCK)

40 Carcharhinus leiodon Smoothtooth blacktip LEI (CCJ)

41 Carcharhinus leucas Bull shark CCE (CCE)

42 Carcharhinus limbatus Blacktip shark CCL (CCL)

43 Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic whitetip shark OCS (OCS)44 Carcharhinus macloti Hardnose shark CCN (CCM)

45 Carcharhinus melanopterus Blacktip reef shark CCR (BLR)

46 Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar shark CCP (CCP)


7/61VII

Contents: sharksPage Number Scientic Name Common Name Code

47 Carcharhinus sorrah Spottail shark CCO (CCQ)48 Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger shark TIG (TIG)

49 Loxodon macrorhinus Sliteye shark LMS (CLD)

50 Negaprion acutidens Sicklen lemon shark NAS (NGA)

51 Prionace glauca Blue shark BSH (BSH)

52 Rhizoprionodon acutus Milk shark RHA (RHA)

53 Rhizoprionodon oligolinx Grey sharpnose shark RHO (RHX)

54 Scoliodon laticaudus Spadenose shark SLS (SLA)

55 Triaenodon obesus Whitetip reef shark TOW (TRB)

56 Eusphyrna blochii Winghead shark SEB (EUB)57 Sphyrna lewini Scalloped hammerhead SPL (SPL)

58 Sphyrna mokarran Great hammerhead SPK (SPK)

59 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth hammerhead SPZ (SPZ)

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to convey their deepest thanks to everyone involved in the development of this guide.

Design Ibrahim Kayoueche - [email protected]

Illustrations Marc Dando -www.ukeart.com

All photos Shark Project Oman except:

A. cuspidata, P. zijsron Food and Agriculture Orgaanisation (FAO).

A. ocellatus, C. albimarginatus, C. falciformis, C. melanopterusI paucus, M. alfredi, M. birostris, M. kuhlii, M.

japanica, N. acutidens, R. ancylostoma, R. djiddensis (title page), T. lymma Guy Stevens -

[email protected] / www. mantatrust.org

A. vulpinus, C. galapagensis National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

C. amblyrhynchos, G. cuvier Thomas Vignaud -www.thomasvignaud.com

C. amblyrhynchoides, R. granulatus, R. djiddensis, S. mokarran Alec Moore.

C. dussumieri, C. taurus, N. ferrugineus, R. oligolinx, T. obesus Rima Jabado.

P. glauca Mark Conlin National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

R. typus, S. fasciatum David Robinson -www.sharkwatcharabia.com

T. meyeni Nasser Al Khanjari -www.sealegends.net

T. panthera Peter Scoones.

T. sinuspersici Michel Claereboudt.

Submisson of Images

If you have any photos of sharks, comments, or would like help in identifying what you have seen please

get in touch via our websitewww.sharkprojectoman.com


8/616

Bramble sharkEchinorhinus brucusBorn: 40cm - 50cm Max: 305cm - 310cm

EEB (SHB)

Key ID FeaturesVery large, plate like denticles scattered sparsely over the body and armed with one

or more thorn like cusps,

Denticles with smooth margins, some fused with multi-cusped plates.

First dorsal n originating over or posterior to pelvic n origins,

Anal n absent,

Pelvic ns much larger than second dorsal.

DenticlesUpper tooth

>1m

Echinorhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

1

5

1 2

3

4

5

Sharks


9/617

African angel sharkSquatina africanaBorn: 28cm - 30cm Max: 122cm

SAQ (SUF)

Key ID FeaturesConcave between eyes,

Simple at nasal barbels, tips tapering or spatulate,

Anterior nasal aps smooth or slightly fringed,

Broad, angular, high pectoral ns,

Dark tail base with white margins,

Often large granular-centred ocelli in young,

Enlarged thorns on head but not present on back.

Squatin

idae

NoInterdorsalRidge

>1m

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

1

4

7

Sharks


10/618

Oman bullhead sharkHeterodontus omanensisBorn: unknown Max: at least 61cm

HEO

Key ID FeaturesWhite spot on rst and second dorsal n tips,

Second dorsal origin over pelvic posterior insertion,

Four to ve dark brown saddles, dark bar between the eyes and bloth under eyes,

Few spots on body.

OtherInformation:knownon

lyfrom

10s

pec

imens.

1m

Rhincodontidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2 3

4

5

1

3

4

6

5

2

1

6

Sharks


16/6114

Sandtiger sharkCarcharias taurusBorn: 95cm - 105cm Max: 430cm

OST (CCT)

Key ID FeaturesSnout very short and moderately attened,

Long mouth extends beyond eyes,

First dorsal n base just in front of pelvic n bases,

Second dorsal about as large as rst dorsal and anal n,

Long gill openings in front of pectoral ns,

Usually with brown spots on sides of the body (anks),

Teeth long, slender and smooth-edged. Small sharp cusplet on each side at base.

OtherInformation:imageo

fshark

Rim

aJiba

do.

>1m

Odontas

pididae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


17/6115

Upper tooth Lower tooth

Pelagic thresher sharkAlopias pelagicusBorn: 130cm - 160cm Max: 365cm

AAP (PTH)

Key ID FeaturesFirst dorsal n located about equidistant between the pectoral and pelvic n bases,

Forehead nearly straight in lateral view, broadly arched between eyes,

Pectoral ns narrow, long and nearly straight, broad tipped and not falcate,

Labial furrows absent,

No white above pectoral ns,

Main tooth cusp strongly oblique laterally, most with one or two small basal cusps on

posterolateral edge.

Similar Species and DifferencesBigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus): when viewed from above eyes visable on dorsal

surface of head ofA. superciliosus.

Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus): pectoral ns are falcate and pointed with white

patch on ank above pectoral ns inA. vulpinus.

>1m

Alop

iidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

Sharks


18/6116

Upper tooth

Bigeye thresher sharkAlopias superciliosusBorn: 100cm - 140cm Max: 460cm

ASS (BTH)

Key ID FeaturesEyes very large, expanding onto at topped dorsal surface of head,

Snout moderately long and conical,

Deep horizontal groove above gills extending onto dorsal surface of head,

Labial furrows absent.

Similar Species and DifferencesThresher shark (Alopias vulpinus): pectoral ns are falcate and pointed with white

patch on ank above pectoral ns inA. vulpinus.

Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus): pectoral ns long, nearly straight and broad tipped

with no white patch above pectoral ns inA. pelagicus.

>1m

Alop

iidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

1

2

3

1

4

Sharks


19/6117

Thresher sharkAlopias vulpinusBorn: 114cm - 160cm Max: 610cm

AAV (ALV)

Key ID FeaturesFirst dorsal n base well ahead of pelvic n bases,

Posterior two gill slits located above pectoral n bases,

Pectoral ns falcate and pointed,

Labial furrows present,

White patch on ank above pectoral ns.


fshark

NOAA

Similar Species and DifferencesBigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus): when viewed from above eyes visable on dorsal

surface of head ofA. superciliosus.

Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus): pectoral ns long, nearly straight and broad tipped

with no white patch above pectoral ns inA. pelagicus.

>1m

Alopiidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

5

1

2

3

4

1

5

Sharks


20/6118

Shortn sharkIsurus oxyrinchusBorn: 60cm - 70cm Max: 400cm

SMA (SMA)


Key ID FeaturesPectoral ns moderately long and falcate,

First dorsal n origin posterior to inner corners of pectoral ns,

Anal n origin below, about middle of second dorsal n base,

Caudal peduncle very much attened dorsoventrally with a prominent keel on each

side extending well out on caudal n,

Long, slender, pointed teeth, not serrated and without cusplets,

Underside of snout white on adults.

Similar Species and DifferencesLongn mako (Isurus paucus): pectoral ns longer (as long as head) and underside of

snout dusky in adult I. paucus.

>1m

Lamnidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

1

2

3

4

5

1

6

5

Sharks


21/6119

Longn mako sharkIsurus paucusBorn: 97cm - 120cm Max: 417cm

LMA (LMA)

Key ID FeaturesPectoral ns as long as head and relatively broad tipped,

First dorsal n origin posterior to inner corners of pectoral ns,

Anal n origin below about middle of second dorsal n base,

Teeth similar in both jaws; moderately narrow, smooth, elongated cusps,

Underside of head dusky in adults.


fshark

Guy

Stevens.

Similar Species and DifferencesShortn mako (Isurus oxyrhinchus): pectoral ns shorter (shorter than head) and

underside of snout white in adult I. oxyrhinchus.

>1m

Lam

nidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

1

2

3

1

4

5

Sharks


22/6120

Smallbelly catsharkApristurus indicusBorn: unknown Max: >34cm

SAI (APD)

Key ID FeaturesBroad attened head with an elongated snout,

Very long labial furrows,

Gill slits less than adult eye length,

Two small spineless dorsal ns, rst lower than the second and extending forward

along, low ridge on back,

Base of anal n ending close to lower caudal n origin,

Teeth numerous; most with ve cusps.

106cm

CBS (CPH)

Key ID FeaturesRounded snout,

Dorsal ns far back on body,

First dorsal n over pelvic ns, second much smaller and over anal n,

Dusky saddles present,

Ridges over eyes,

No obvious light n margins.

>1m

Scyliorhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

6

Sharks


24/6122

Speckled catsharkHalaelurus boesemaniBorn: 7cm Max: 48cm

HCS (HAB)

Key ID FeaturesSnout pointed and not upturned,

Eyes raised above head,

Dorsal ns about equal in size,

Dark blotches on dorsal and caudal ns,

Small labial furrows present,

Teeth small and numerous, with pointed central cusp and one or two small and poorly

dened cusps on each side.

1m

Hemigaleidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

1

2

3

4

5

1

4

Sharks


30/6128

Snaggletooth sharkHemipristis elongatusBorn: 45cm - 52cm Max: 230cm - 240cm

HHE (HEE)


Key ID FeaturesSnout rounded in dorsoventral view,

Large curved saw-edged upper teeth and hooked lower teeth that protrude from

mouth,

First dorsal slightly posterior to inner posterior corner of pectoral n,

Second dorsal well ahead of anal n,

Second dorsal n about 2/3 as large as rst,

Pectoral n falcate,

No colour pattern.

>1m

Hemigaleidae

NoInter

dorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

5

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

7

Sharks


31/6129

Slender weasel sharkParagaleus randaliiBorn: 29cm Max: 81cm

PRA

Key ID FeaturesSnout with narrowly rounded tip with a pair of narrow, black lines,

Gills equal to eye length,

First dorsal origin slightly posterior to inner posterior corner of pectoral n,

Second dorsal origin opposite or slightly ahead of anal n origin,

Second dorsal around two-thirds area of rst,

Pectoral n falcate,

Upper teeth smooth edged proximally (mesially) with prominant distal cusplets.

Similar Species and DifferencesHooktooth shark (Chaenogaleus macrostoma): gills at least two times length of eyes, no

black lines in underside of snout in C. macrostoma.


1m

Carcha

rhinidae

InterdorsalRidge

2

34

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


33/6131

Bignose sharkCarcharhinus altimusBorn: 70cm - 90cm Max: 300cm

CCA


Key ID FeaturesSnout rounded and rather long,

First dorsal n high, originates over inner margins of pectoral ns,

Pectoral ns long and not strongly falcate,

Anal n slightly larger than second dorsal n,

Upper teeth large, broadly triangular and moderately serrate,

Lower teeth with arrow-like, erect, nely serrated cusp.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

Inter

dorsalRidge

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

65

Sharks


34/6132

Graceful sharkCarcharhinus amblyrhynchoidesBorn: 52cm - 55cm Max: 167cm

CCG (CCY)

Key ID Features

Tubby shark with wedged shaped pointed snout,

Conspicuous white ank mark,

Fins often with black tips,

Origin of rst dorsal over/behind pectoral insertion,

Origin of second dorsal over/anterior to anal origin,

Upper teeth moderately serrated with narrow cusps,

Lower teeth nely serrated with erect cusps.


fsharkan

dun

ders

ideo

fhea

dAlec

Moore

>1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

5

Sharks


35/6133

Grey reef sharkCarcharhinus amblyrhynchosBorn: 45cm - 60cm Max: 160cm

CCK (AML)

Key ID FeaturesSnout broadly rounded,

Tail with conspicuous black band along margin,

First dorsal sometimes with irregular white edge,

All other ns with black/dusky tips,

Origin of rst dorsal over/anterior to pectoral corner,

Origin of second dorsal over anal origin,

Upper teeth serrate with a fairly narrow cusp which is erect on medial two teeth.

Lower teeth nely serrated with a narrow, slightly oblique cusps.


fshark

Thomas

Vignau

d.

Similar Species and DifferencesSilvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus): striking white tips and trailing edges on allns in C. albimarginatus.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


36/6134

Pigeye sharkCarcharhinus amboinensisBorn: 71cm - 72cm Max: 280cm

CCH (CCF)

Key ID FeaturesVery stout with short blunt snout,

Fins with dusky tips but not strikingly marked,

First dorsal n height more than three times that of the second dorsal n,

Origin of rst dorsal over/anterior to pectoral insertion,

Origin of second dorsal anterior to anal origin,

Upper margin of second dorsal n nearly straight,

Upper teeth broadly triangular, coarsely serrated, posterior teeth with an oblique

cusps. Lower teeth with a narrower, moderately serrated but broad cusps.

OtherInformation:genera

lly

foun

dindee

perwaterthanC.

leucas.

Does

notcommon

lyoccur

insame

areasasC.

lec

uas.

Similar Species and DifferencesBull shark (Carcharhinus leucas): rst dorsal n height up to 3.1 times that of second

dorsal n in C. leucas.

1

7 Upper tooth

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

2

4

5

6

Sharks


37/6135

Spinner sharkCarcharhinus brevipinnaBorn: 60cm - 75cm Max: 278cm

CCB (CCB)

Key ID FeaturesLong pointed snout slightly depressed with small eyes,

Most ns with black tip except in young,

Origin of rst dorsal over/behind pectoral corner,

Origin of second dorsal slightly behind anal origin,

Prominent labial furrow longer than any other Carcharhinus sp.,

Teeth in both jaws with a narrow cusp on a broad base,

Upper teeth nely serrated and lower teeth smooth.

Upper toothLabial furrow

Similar Species and DifferencesBlacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus): head conical, rst dorsal n origin over/behind

pectoral insertion and anal n usually plain in adult C. limbatus.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

5

Sharks


38/6136

Whitecheek sharkCarcharhinus dussumieriBorn: 37cm - 38cm Max: 100cm

CCW (CCD)

Key ID FeaturesBlack spot on second dorsal, no other markings,

Origin of rst dorsal between pectoral insertion and corner,

Origin of second dorsal over/behind anal origin,

13 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 13 - 14 on lower jaw,

Lower teeth with a narrow oblique nely serrate cusp on a broad root.


fshark

Rim

aJaca

do.

Itisthoug

htt

hatC.

dussumierip

ropa

blycons

istso

fmorethanspec

ies,

furth

erana

lysis

isongo

ing

(perscomm

Alec

Moore

).

>1m

Carcharhinidae

Interd

orsalRidge

2

3

1

2

3

4

5

1

Sharks


39/6137

Silky sharkCarcharhinus falciformisBorn: 70cm - 87cm Max: 330cm

FAL (FAL)

Key ID FeaturesFirst dorsal n low with moderately rounded apex,

Second dorsal n very low,

Pectoral ns long and falcate,

Elongate and slender body,

Origin of rst dorsal behind pectoral corner,


Upper teeth triangular with a slight indentation on the antero-medial edge and a

deeper angular notch on the postero-lateral edge. Lower teeth with a narrow, erect,

smooth edged cusp on a broad root.


OtherInfor

mation:imageo

fshark

Guy

Stevens.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

Inter

dorsalRidge

Interd

orsalRidge

2

3

6

5 1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


40/6138

Galapagos sharkCarcharhinus galapagensisBorn: 60cm - 81cm Max: 300cm

CCG

4

Key ID FeaturesSnout broad and rounded,

First forsal n tall and nearly straight,

Origin of rst dorsal over posterior third of pectoral n inner margin,

Origin of second dorsal over anal n,

Second dorsal n almost equal in size to anal n,

Long pectoral ns straight, each with a pointed tip,

Edges of ns are dusky but not prominently marked.

OtherInfor

mation:s

har

kimage

NOAA

Similar Species and DifferencesGrey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos): snout longer, interdorsal ridge absent

and a broad black band on the posterior margin of the caudal n in C. amblyrhynchos.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

Inter

dorsalRidge

Interd

orsalRidge

2

3

6

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


41/6139

Pondicherry sharkCarcharhinus hemiodonBorn: 45cm Max: 160cm

CCC (CCK)

Key ID FeaturesSnout moderately long and narrowly pointed or rounded,

Black tips on pectorals, second dorsal and caudal lobes,

First dorsal n with narrowly rounded apex,

Second dorsal n moderately high, its inner margin thin and elongated,

Origin of rst dorsal just behind pectoral insertion,


Upper teeth with a narrow fairly oblique cusp which is smooth edged or weakly

serrate, the base on each side has 4 prominent cusplets. Lower teeth with cusp more

erect and slender without cusplets.

>1m

Carchar

hinidae

InterdorsalRidge

2

3

46

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


42/6140

Smoothtooth blacktipCarcharhinus leiodonBorn: unknown Max: at least 123cm

LEI (CCJ)

Upper tooth

Juvenile

Adult

Key ID FeaturesShort, bluntly pointed snout,

Conspicuous black tips on all ns, dusky in adults,

Fairly large rst dorsal and moderately large second dorsal both with short rear tips,

Small pectoral ns,

Smooth and erect-cusped upper teeth.

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

>1m

2

3

3

4

51

2

3

4

5

1

Sharks


43/6141

Bull sharkCarcharhinus leucasBorn: 56cm - 81cm Max: 340cm

CCE (CCE)


Key ID FeaturesStocky species with short blunt snout,

Dusky n tips but not strikingly marked,

First dorsal n height up to 3.1 times that of second dorsal n,

Origin of rst dorsal over pectoral insertion,

Origin of second dorsal anterior to anal origin,

Upper margin of second dorsal n concave,

Upper teeth broadly triangular and strongly serrated. Lower teeth with a narrower

cusp, erect medially in jaw and less strongly serrated than uppers.

OtherInformation:genera

lly

foun

dinsha

llower,coasta

lwatersthanC.a

mboinensis

.Doesnotcommon

ly

occur

insame

areasasC.amboinensis.

Similar Species and DifferencesPigeye shark (Carcharhinus amboinensis): rst dorsal n height is more than 3 times

that of second dorsal n in C. amboinensis.

>1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

34

6

7

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


44/6142

Blacktip sharkCarcharhinus limbatusBorn: 38cm - 72cm Max: 255cm

CCL (CCL)

Key ID FeaturesLong pointed snout with small eyes,

Most ns with black tip, anal usually plain in adults,

Origin of rst dorsal over/behind pectoral insertion,


Upper teeth narrowly cusped with very ne serrations apically becoming more coarse

at base,

Lower teeth with a very narrow nely serrated cusp.

Upper tooth

Similar Species and DifferencesSpinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna): head slightly compressed, rst dorsal n origin

over/behind pectoral corner, anal n usually black in adult C. brevipinna.

>1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

51

2

3

4

6

5

1

Sharks


45/6143

Oceanic whitetip sharkCarcharhinus longimanusBorn: 60cm - 65cm Max: 350cm - 395cm

OCS (OCS)


Key ID FeaturesSnout short and broadly rounded,

First dorsal n noticeably large with a very broadly rounded apex,

Pectoral ns very long with broadly rounded wide tip,

Tips of rst dorsal n, pectoral ns and lower lobe of caudal n often white or with

white spot,

Upper teeth broadly triangular and strongly serrated,

Lower teeth with a narrower cusp which is erect in medial teeth with moderate

serration.

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

I

nterd

orsalRidge

2

34

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

5 6

Sharks


46/6144

Hardnose sharkCarcharhinus maclotiBorn: 40cm - 50cm Max: 110cm

CCN (CCM)

Key ID FeaturesSnout very long, hard and narrowly rounded or pointed,

First dorsal with extremely long rear tip,

Origin of rst dorsal over/behind pectoral corner,

Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin,

Second dorsal n very low, the inner margin over twice the n height,

Only Carcharhinus sp. with a hyper-calcied rostrum,

Upper teeth with a narrow slightly oblique, smooth edged central cusp, the base on

each side has 4 cusplets. Lower teeth with a long, narrow, slightly oblique, smooth

edged cusp and no basal cusplets.

Upper tooth

>1m

Carcha

rhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

23

45

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


47/6145

Blacktip reef sharkCarcharhinus melanopterusBorn: 33cm - 52cm Max: 200cm

CCR (BLR)

Key ID FeaturesShort, bluntly rounded snout,

Large black blotch on rst dorsal with white below,

All other ns with black tip, tail with thin black edge,

Brownish grey skin,

Origin of rst dorsal over pectoral corner,

Origin of second dorsal over anal origin,

Upper teeth narrowly cusped, oblique, with a broad angular notch. Lower teeth with a

narrow, slightly oblique nely serrated cusp on a broad base.


OtherInformation:s

hark

image

GuyStevens

>1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

6

7

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

4

Sharks


48/6146

Sandbar sharkCarcharhinus plumbeusBorn: 56cm - 75cm Max: 240cm

CCP (CCP)

Key ID FeaturesModerately long, rounded snout,

Extremely tall rst dorsal n and large pectorals,

First dorsal n height more than half predorsal space,

No conspicuous markings on ns,

Origin of rst dorsal over/anterior to pectoral insertion,


Upper teeth broadly triangular , moderately serrate and slightly oblique. Lower teeth

with a narrow, nely serrated, slightly oblique cusp on a broad based root.


>1m

Carcharhinidae

Interd

orsalRidge

2

2

3

6

7

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


49/6147

Spot tail sharkCarcharhinus sorrahBorn: 45cm - 60cm Max: 160cm

CCO (CCQ)

Key ID FeaturesObvious black spot on lower tail lobe,

Second dorsal n low and elongated,

Second dorsal, anal and pectorals with black tip,

Origin of rst dorsal over pectoral corner,


Nasal aps elongate and nipple shaped,

Upper teeth triangular, slightly to strongly oblique with a large angular notch on the

posterolateral edge and strong cusplets. Lower teeth with a narrow, oblique, nely

serrated cusp of moderate height.

Upper tooth

>1m

Carcharhinidae

Interd

orsalRidge

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


50/6148

Tiger sharkGaleocerdo cuvierBorn: 51cm - 76cm Max: 550cm

TIG (TIG)

Key ID FeaturesBroad head with blunt snout,

Prominent vertical stripes on body (broken in young, faded in adults),

Slit like spiracles, very long labial furrows extending to front of eyes,

Prominent lateral keel on caudal peduncle,

10 - 11 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw. Decreasing in size towards the

corner of the mouth,

Distinctive teeth, similar in shape in both jaws and strongly serrated.

Upper tooth

Lower tooth


fshark

Thomas

Vignau

d.

>1m

Carchar

hinidae

Interd

orsalRidge

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

6

6

Sharks


51/6149

Sliteye sharkLoxodon macrorhinusBorn: 40cm - 43cm Max: 91cm

LMS (CLD)

Key ID FeaturesEyes with posterior notch,

Long snout, parbolic in shape, length greater than width,

Origin of rst dorsal behind pectoral corner,


Second dorsal small and low with large free posterior margin,

Labial furrows very short/rudimentary,

12 - 14 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw. Teeth in both jaws are smooth

edged, highly oblique with a deep notch on the postero-lateral edge.

Upper tooth

1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

4

6

7

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

7

Sharks


53/6151

Blue sharkPrionace glaucaBorn: 35cm - 44cm Max: 380cm

BSH (BSH)

Key ID FeaturesVery distinctive dark blue colouration, white below,

Snout long and narrowly rounded,

Very slim body with very long and narrow pectoral ns, more than twice the length of

the rst dorsal n,

First dorsal n small, origin well behind pectoral corner,

Origin of second dorsal behind anal origin,

Weak keel on caudal peduncle,

Curved, saw edged, triangular upper teeth.

OtherInformation:

imageo

fshar

kMark

Con

lin

(NMFS)

>1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

6

5

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


54/6152

Milk sharkRhizoprionodon acutusBorn: 25cm - 39cm Max: 178cm

RHA (RHA)

Upper tooth

Key ID FeaturesLong upper and lower labial furrows,

Number of enlarged pores at mouth corner, more than eight,

Origin of rst dorsal over/before pectoral corner,


Long prominent pre-anal ridges,

12 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw.

Upper teeth with a highly diagonal blade like cusp which is nely serrate in adults.

Lower teeth similar but the anteromedial edge concave and serrate smaller.

Similar Species and DifferencesGrey sharpnose shark (Rhizopriondon oligolinx): short upper and lower labial furrows

and number of pores beside mouth corner 1m

Carcharhinidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

3

4

7

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks


55/6153

Grey sharpnose sharkRhizoprionodon oligolinxBorn: 21cm - 26cm Max: 70cm

RHO (RHX)

Key ID FeaturesShort upper and lower labial furrows,

Number of enlarged pores at mouth corner, 3 - 8,

Origin of rst dorsal over/before pectoral corner,


Long prominent pre-anal ridges,

11 - 12 teeth in upper jaw and 11 in lower jaw,

Upper teeth with a highly diagonal blade like cusp. Lower teeth similar but the antero-

medial edge concave.


fshark

Rim

aJabado.

Similar Species and DifferencesMilk shark (Rhizopriondon acutus): long upper and lower labial furrows and number of

pores beside mouth corner >8 in R. acutus.

1m

Sphyr

nidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

6

7

3

Sharks


59/6157

Upper tooth

Scalloped hammerheadSphyrna lewiniBorn: 42cm - 55cm Max: 370cm - 420cm

SPL (SPL)

Key ID FeaturesHead with prominent median indentation plus two smaller lateral indentations,

Broadly arched posterior margin of head in adults,

Second dorsal and pelvic ns low,

Anal n base noticeably larger than second dorsal n base,

15 - 16 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw,

Upper teeth with a narrow oblique cusp on a broad base, the edges slightly serrated

only in large adults,

Lower teeth with an even narrow cusp, erect to slightly oblique.

Similar Species and DifferencesGreat hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran):posterior margin of head more or less straight

in adult S. mokarran.

Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): anterior edge of head without central notch

in S. zygaena.

>1m

Sphyr

nidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

3

4

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

7

2

Sharks


60/6158

Great hammerheadSphyrna mokarranBorn: 50cm - 70cm Max: 550cm - 610cm

SPK (SPK)


Key ID FeaturesNotch at the centre of the head,

Anterior margin of head more or less straight in adults,

First dorsal n high and falcate,

Second dorsal n and pelvic n high and falcate,

17 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 16 - 17 in lower jaw,

Teeth with clear serrations.


fshark

Alec

Moore.

Similar Species and DifferencesSmooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): anterior edge of head without central notch

in S. zygaena.

Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): posterior margin of head broadly arched in

S. lewini.

>1m

Sphyr

nidae

NoInter

dorsalRidge

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

6

5

1

6

Sharks


61/61

Smooth hammerheadSphyrna zygaenaBorn: 50cm - 61cm Max: 370cm - 400cm

SPZ (SPZ)

Key ID FeaturesNo notch at centre of curved head,

First dorsal n high, moderately falcate,

Second dorsal n small with a very long inner margin,

Pectoral ns short and broad,

Anal n bases slightly longer than second dorsal n base,

13 - 15 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 12 - 14 on lower jaw,

Upper teeth triangular and oblique, smooth or nely serrate, Lower teeth similar to

uppers but a little smaller and with a narrower cusp.

Similar Species and DifferencesScalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): posterior margin of head broadly arched in

S. lewini.

Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran): posterior margin of head more or less

straight in adult S. mokarran.

Sphyr

nidae

NoInterdorsalRidge

2

3

4

5

2

3

4

6

7

5

1

Sharks

Documents

English sharks web.pdf