- Very blunt mouth with nasal barbels on each side
- Eyes very small
- Brown to yellow-brown above, lighter below (juveniles often have black spots)
- Broadly rounded dorsal and anal fins
- First and second dorsal fins are similar in size
- First dorsal fin begins well behind pectoral fins
- No distinct lower lobe of caudal fin
- No interdorsal ridge
Similar Species: Lemon shark, N. brevirostris (lacks nasal barbels)
Habitat & Range
An abundant, coastal, tropical and subtropical shark that inhabits nearshore waters of both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. Often seen lying motionless on the bottom. Preferred habitats are coral reefs, rocks, and mangrove islands.
Life History
Mating occurs in aggregations during the summer and after a short gestation period of 6 months females give birth to live young. Broods contain 20-50 pups. Size at birth about 1 foot. Juveniles utilize shallow coral reefs, rocky areas, grass flats, and mangrove islands as nursery habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
Maximum size about 9 feet. Matures at approximately 6 feet and is estimated to live 24+ years.
