Rhizoprionodon porosus (Poey, 1861)
Caribbean sharpnose shark
Rhizoprionodon porosus
photo by Monzini, J.

Family:  Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
Max. size:  113 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 7,500.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range - 500 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Caribbean, including the Bahamas, south to Uruguay. The separation of this species from Rhizoprionodon terraenovae whether as a distinct species or a representative of a southern subspecies is still uncertain and pending until detailed studies are commenced.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Common in bays and estuaries often entering rivers. Also found in offshore waters at depths of about 500 m, generally less than 100 m. Feeds mainly on small bony fishes, including wrasses, but also marine snails, squid and shrimp. Viviparous, with 2 to 6 young in a litter. Size at birth about 31 to 39 cm. Utilized salted or frozen for human consumption and processed into fish meal. Not dangerous (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 21 June 2019 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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