Second dorsal fin with long free tip, usually more than twice fin height
First dorsal fin rounded, swept back, originating behind free tips of sickle-shaped pectoral fins
Color gray-brown or bronze above, white below
Interdorsal ridge
DISTRIBUTION
NY to southern Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Uncommon north of DE.
HABITAT
Offshore, over deepwater reefs and near continental and insular slopes, primarily surface waters; juveniles closer to shore.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Dusky shark has blunter snout, smaller eyes, second dorsal free tip length rarely more than twice fin height. Sandbar shark and bignose shark have higher first dorsal fins placed farther forward, closer to pectoral fins. Night shark has green eyes, longer snout, charecteristic teeth. Blacktip shark and spinner shark lack interdorsal ridges.
MORE INFORMATION
Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
