- Snout short and conical
- Light brown with irregular dark spots on body
- First dorsal fin starts well behind pectoral fin
- First and second dorsal fins of equal size
- All 5 gill slits are in front of the pectoral fin
- Small eyes and a long mouth that extends behind the eyes
- No interdorsal ridge
Habitat & Range
Coastal waters near bays and in deeper waters around reef areas. Migrates towards higher latitudes during summer months and spends the fall/winter in equatorial areas.
Life History
Mating occurs in aggregations during early spring and after eight to nine months of gestation, females give birth to live young in shallow, nearshore areas. Broods initially contain up to seven embryos, but pups become cannibalistic inside the womb and consume their siblings until two remain (one per uterus). Size at birth about 3 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
Maximum size about 10.5 feet. Matures at approximately 6-7 feet (4-6 years old) and is estimated to live 41+ years.
