- Back is gray-bronze, fading to a white belly
- Snout pointed with a length equal to or longer than mouth width
- Anal fin with black tip
- Dorsal fins, pectoral fins and caudal fin lower lobe also black-tipped
- First dorsal fin starts behind pectoral fin
- No interdorsal ridge
Habitat & Range
Distributed throughout inshore and offshore waters, typically preferring higher salinities, but juveniles have been known to follow the tide into lower portions of bays.Β A very active, fast-swimming shark often seen breaching the surface in a spinning motion (where it gets its common name) while in pursuit of prey. Known to form schools and are highly migratory throughout the Northern Gulf of Mexico and along Atlantic coast (Florida to North Carolina).
Life History
After approximately 11-12 months of gestation, females give birth every other year near inshore locations. Broods contain 3-15 pups. Size at birth 24-30 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
Maximum length 7-8 feet. Females mature at approximately 6-7 years and males reach maturity at 4-5 years (around 5-6 feet for both sexes) and are estimated to live up to 20 years.
