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Al J. Reeve Meriem Kayoueche-Reeve Tariq Al-Mamari Sulaiman Al-Shuaily Aaron C. Henderson Part one: Sharks
I
Introduction
Shark Project Oman
This identification guide was created to help fishermen, ministry officials, divers and members of the public to accurately identify sharks and related species seen whilst at sea, at landing sites or in fish markets. Although it is primarily aimed at Oman, we have not limited the guide to those species that have been recorded from Oman. The distributions of many shark, ray and guitarfish species across the northern Indian Ocean is somewhat unclear, and it is still common to encounter species in Omani waters that had not been previously recorded here. Therefore, we have included many additional species from across the region, which might potentially turn up in Oman. Species that have been confirmed from Oman during the course of our research are indicated by the presence of an Omani flag. It is important to note that the taxonomic status of many species in the region is unclear at present. Some species may in fact be collections of cryptic species, i.e. morphologically similar species which are extremely difficult to distinguish from each other. This is particularly true for certain species of ray and guitarfish and, where applicable, we have included notes to indicate where this looks likely to be the case. Molecular studies are currently underway to elucidate the taxonomic status of these species, and a revised species guide will be produced once these studies have been completed. Among the species in this guide are three un-described guitarfishes, which are referred to by the species codes RHX, RHY and RHZ (guitarfish species X, guitarfish species Y and guitarfish species Z). We are currently performing molecular and morphological analyses on these new species, with a view to providing full scientific descriptions of them in due course. Finally, it is quite possible that a completely unexpected species might be encountered in Oman waters! If none of the species descriptions included in this guide seem to match a shark, ray or guitarfish that you encounter, please feel free to forward the details of your interesting specimen (with photographs, if at all possible) to sharkprojectoman@gmail.com.
II
Glossary of terms
Ampullae - special sensing organs forming a network of jelly filled canals found in the snout. Anal fin - a single fin on the ventral surface of the tail between the pelvic fins and caudal fins of some sharks. Anterior - forward, in the longitudinal direction of the snout tip. Apex - in pre-caudal fins, the distal tips can be acutely pointed to broadly round (apices plural). Barbels - long conical paired dermal lobes on the snouts of sharks. Bilobed - dividing into or having two lobes. Capacious - large in volume. Caudal fin - tail fin. Caudal keel - a dermal keel on each side of the caudal peduncle that may extend onto the base of the caudal fin. Caudal peduncle - that part of the peduncle tail extending from the insertions of the dorsal and anal fins to the front of the caudal fin. Cephalic flaps - coiled cranial projections used in feeding. Concave - curving inwards. Convex - curving outwards. Cusps - a pointed large distal projection from the crown of the tooth. Cusplet- as with a cusp, but a small projection in association with a cusp. Distal - in any direction at the far end of a structure. Dorsal fin - a fin located on the trunk and/or pre-caudal tail of the animal between the head and caudal fin. Most sharks have two dorsal fins. Elasmobranch Falcate - sickle shaped. Insertion - where a fin joins the body. Interdorsal ridge - a ridge of skin on the mid-back of sharks, in line with and between the first and second dorsal fins. Labial furrow - grooves around the mouth angles on the outer surface of the jaws. Lateral - outwards, in the transverse direction towards the periphery of the body. Medial - inwards, in the transverse direction towards the middle of the body. Ocelli - eye-like marking in which the central colour is bordered in a full or broken ring of another colour. Ovate - oval shaped. Pectoral fin - a symmetrical pair of fins on each side of the trunk just behind the head and in front of the abdomen. Pelagic - living in the open ocean. Transverse - across the long axis of the body.
IV
Glossary of terms
Pelvic fin - a symmetrical pair of fins on each side of the trunk between the abdomen and precaudal tail. Posterior - rearwards, in the longitudinal direction of the caudal fin tip or tail filament. Rhomboidal - kite or diamond shaped outline. Rostrum - the cartilaginous anterior most structure that supports the prenasal snout including lateral line canals and masses of ampullae. Sunusoidal - s shaped. Spiracle - a respiratory opening behind the eye of some species. Tubercles - dome like projection .
Taken from: L. Compagno, Dando, M., Fowler, S. 2005. Sharks of the world. Princeton University Press. New Jersey, USA. 368 pages.
Contents: sharks
Page Number 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Scientific Name Echinorhinus brucus Squatina africana Heterodontus omanensis Chiloscyllium arabicum Chiloscyllium griseum Nebrius ferrugineus Stegostoma fasciatum Rhincodon typus Carcharhinus taurus Alopias pelagicus Alopias superciliosus Alopius vulpinus Isurus oxyrhinchus Isurus paucus Apisturus indicus Cephaloscyllium sufflans Halaelurus boesemani Eridacnis radcliffei Hypogaleus hyugaensis Iago omanensis Mustelus mosis Chaenogaleus macrostoma Hemipristis elongata Paragaleus randalii Carcharhinus albimarginatus Carcharhinus altimus Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Carcharhinus amboinensis Carcharhinus brevipinna Carcharhinus dussumieri Carcharhinus falciformis Carcharhinus galapagensis Carcharhinus hemiodon Carcharhinus leiodon Carcharhinus leucas Carcharhinus limbatus Carcharhinus longimanus Carcharhinus macloti Carcharhinus melanopterus Carcharhinus plumbeus VI Common Name Bramble shark African angel shark Oman bullhead shark Arabian bamboo shark Grey bamboo shark Tawny nurse shark Zebra shark Whale shark Sandtiger shark Pelagic thresher shark Bigeye thresher shark Thresher shark Shortfin mako shark Longfin mako Smallbelly catshark Balloon shark Speckled catshark Pygmy ribbontail catshark Blacktip tope Bigeye houndshark Arabian smoothound Hooktooth shark Snaggletooth shark Slender weasel shark Silvertip shark Bignose shark Graceful shark Grey Reef shark Pigeye shark Spinner shark Whitecheek shark Silky shark Galapagos shark Pondicherry shark Smoothtooth blacktip Bull shark Blacktip shark Oceanic whitetip shark Hardnose shark Blacktip reef shark Sandbar shark Code EEB (SHB) SQA (SUF) HEO HCA (ORA) HCG (ORR) GNF (ORZ) SSF (OSF) RRT (RHN) OST (CCT) AAP (PTH) ASS (BTH) AAV (ALV) SMA (SMA) LMA (LMA) SAI (APD) CBS (CPH) HCS (HAB) EPR (PEA) HYB (THH) TLO (TIO) TMO (MTM) HCM (HCM) HHE (HEE) PRA CCV (ALS) CCA CCG (CCY) CCK (AML) CCH (CCF) CCB (CCB) CCW (CCD) FAL (FAL) CCG CCC (CCK) LEI (CCJ) CCE (CCE) CCL (CCL) OCS (OCS) CCN (CCM) CCR (BLR) CCP (CCP)
Contents: sharks
Page Number 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 Scientific Name Carcharhinus sorrah Galeocerdo cuvier Loxodon macrorhinus Negaprion acutidens Prionace glauca Rhizoprionodon acutus Rhizoprionodon oligolinx Scoliodon laticaudus Triaenodon obesus Eusphyrna blochii Sphyrna lewini Sphyrna mokarran Sphyrna zygaena Common Name Spottail shark Tiger shark Sliteye shark Sicklefin lemon shark Blue shark Milk shark Grey sharpnose shark Spadenose shark Whitetip reef shark Winghead shark Scalloped hammerhead Great hammerhead Smooth hammerhead Code CCO (CCQ) TIG (TIG) LMS (CLD) NAS (NGA) BSH (BSH) RHA (RHA) RHO (RHX) SLS (SLA) TOW (TRB) SEB (EUB) SPL (SPL) SPK (SPK) SPZ (SPZ)
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to convey their deepest thanks to everyone involved in the development of this guide. Design Ibrahim Kayoueche - ibrahimkayoueche@hotmail.co.uk Illustrations Marc Dando - www.flukeart.com All photos Shark Project Oman except: A. cuspidata, P. zijsron Food and Agriculture Orgaanisation (FAO). A. ocellatus, C. albimarginatus, C. falciformis, C. melanopterusI paucus, M. alfredi, M. birostris, M. kuhlii, M. japanica, N. acutidens, R. ancylostoma, R. djiddensis (title page), T. lymma Guy Stevens guy@mantatrust.org / www. mantatrust.org A. vulpinus, C. galapagensis National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). C. amblyrhynchos, G. cuvier Thomas Vignaud - www.thomasvignaud.com C. amblyrhynchoides, R. granulatus, R. djiddensis, S. mokarran Alec Moore. C. dussumieri, C. taurus, N. ferrugineus, R. oligolinx,T. obesus Rima Jabado. P. glauca Mark Conlin National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). R. typus, S. fasciatum David Robinson - www.sharkwatcharabia.com T. meyeni Nasser Al Khanjari - www.sealegends.net T. panthera Peter Scoones. T. sinuspersici Michel Claereboudt.
Submisson of Images
If you have any photos of sharks, comments, or would like help in identifying what you have seen please get in touch via our website www.sharkprojectoman.com
VII
EEB (SHB)
Sharks
Very large, plate like denticles scattered sparsely over the body and armed with one or more thorn like cusps, Denticles with smooth margins, some fused with multi-cusped plates. First dorsal fin originating over or posterior to pelvic fin origins, Anal fin absent, Pelvic fins much larger than second dorsal.
4 5 1 2
Upper tooth
Denticles
> 1m
Echinorhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SAQ (SUF)
Sharks
Concave between eyes, Simple flat nasal barbels, tips tapering or spatulate, Anterior nasal flaps smooth or slightly fringed, Broad, angular, high pectoral fins, Dark tail base with white margins, Often large granular-centred ocelli in young, Enlarged thorns on head but not present on back.
4 1 7
> 1m
Squatinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
HEO
Sharks
White spot on first and second dorsal fin tips, 2 Second dorsal origin over pelvic posterior insertion, 3 Four to five dark brown saddles, dark bar between the eyes and bloth under eyes, 4 Few spots on body.
< 1m
Heterodontidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
HCA (ORA)
Sharks
Dorsal and anal fins set far back on a very long thick tail, Origin of first dorsal over rear of pelvic fin bases, Second dorsal fin base longer than first dorsal fin base, Lateral ridges on trunk, Interdorsal space about twice as long as first dorsal fin base, Small transverse mouth, barbels present, No obvious colour patterns.
2 4
< 1m
Hemiscyllidae
Interdorsal Ridge
HCG (ORR)
Sharks
Dorsal fins and anal fin set far back on very long thick tail, Origin of first dorsal fin opposite or just behind pelvic fin insertions, First dorsal fin base longer than second dorsal fin base, No ridges on back, Interdorsal space about 1.5 times as long as first dorsal fin base, Small transverse mouth, barbels present, Juveniles and sub-adults with saddle-like dark bars.
2 3 5
10
< 1m
Hemiscyllidae
Interdorsal Ridge
GNF (ORZ)
Sharks
Mouth well in front of eyes, Barbels present, Origin of first dorsal over anterior pelvic fins, Distal ends of dorsal and anal fins distinctly angular, Anal fin well separated from caudal fin, Teeth with a large central cusp and four to six smaller cusps on each side.
4 3
11
> 1m
Ginglystomatidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SSF (OSF)
Sharks
Broad caudal fin as long as body, Caudal fin strongly asymmetrical, with a deep sub terminal notch, but with the lower lobe hardly developed, Juveniles with vertical yellow stripes separating dark saddles, Adults with dark spots on yellow, First dorsal fin base extending forward of pelvic fin origins, Anal fin close to tail, Snout short and broadly rounded, large spiracles.
12
> 1m
Stegostomatidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
RRT (RHN)
Sharks
Yellow/white stripes on grey, blue or greenish brown back, Broad flat head, Huge transverse mouth, First dorsal fin with rear third of base over pelvic fin bases, Caudal fin asymmetrical, crescent shaped, with a strong lower lobe but no terminal notch, Prominent ridges along body.
4 5
13
> 1m
Rhincodontidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
OST (CCT)
Sharks
Max: 430cm
Snout very short and moderately flattened, Long mouth extends beyond eyes, First dorsal fin base just in front of pelvic fin bases, Second dorsal about as large as first dorsal and anal fin, Long gill openings in front of pectoral fins, Usually with brown spots on sides of the body (flanks), Teeth long, slender and smooth-edged. Small sharp cusplet on each side at base.
3 1 5 2
14
> 1m
Odontaspididae
No Interdorsal Ridge
AAP (PTH)
Sharks
Max: 365cm
First dorsal fin located about equidistant between the pectoral and pelvic fin bases, Forehead nearly straight in lateral view, broadly arched between eyes, Pectoral fins narrow, long and nearly straight, broad tipped and not falcate, Labial furrows absent, No white above pectoral fins, Main tooth cusp strongly oblique laterally, most with one or two small basal cusps on posterolateral edge.
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
Alopiidae
ASS (BTH)
Sharks
Max: 460cm
Eyes very large, expanding onto flat topped dorsal surface of head, 2 Snout moderately long and conical, 3 Deep horizontal groove above gills extending onto dorsal surface of head, 4 Labial furrows absent.
Upper tooth
2
16
> 1m
Alopiidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
AAV (ALV)
Sharks
Max: 610cm
First dorsal fin base well ahead of pelvic fin bases, Posterior two gill slits located above pectoral fin bases, Pectoral fins falcate and pointed, Labial furrows present, White patch on flank above pectoral fins.
17
> 1m
Alopiidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SMA (SMA)
Sharks
Pectoral fins moderately long and falcate, First dorsal fin origin posterior to inner corners of pectoral fins, Anal fin origin below, about middle of second dorsal fin base, Caudal peduncle very much flattened dorsoventrally with a prominent keel on each side extending well out on caudal fin, Long, slender, pointed teeth, not serrated and without cusplets, Underside of snout white on adults.
3 1
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
18
> 1m
Lamnidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
LMA (LMA)
Sharks
Max: 417cm
Pectoral fins as long as head and relatively broad tipped, First dorsal fin origin posterior to inner corners of pectoral fins, Anal fin origin below about middle of second dorsal fin base, Teeth similar in both jaws; moderately narrow, smooth, elongated cusps, Underside of head dusky in adults.
3 1
19
> 1m
Lamnidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SAI (APD)
Sharks
Broad flattened head with an elongated snout, Very long labial furrows, Gill slits less than adult eye length, Two small spineless dorsal fins, first lower than the second and extending forward along, low ridge on back, Base of anal fin ending close to lower caudal fin origin, Teeth numerous; most with five cusps.
4 1 3 5
2 1
20
< 1m
Scyliorhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CBS (CPH)
Sharks
Rounded snout, Dorsal fins far back on body, First dorsal fin over pelvic fins, second much smaller and over anal fin, Dusky saddles present, Ridges over eyes, No obvious light fin margins.
4 5 3
21
> 1m
Scyliorhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
HCS (HAB)
Sharks
Snout pointed and not upturned, Eyes raised above head, Dorsal fins about equal in size, Dark blotches on dorsal and caudal fins, Small labial furrows present, Teeth small and numerous, with pointed central cusp and one or two small and poorly defined cusps on each side.
3 2 4
22
< 1m
Scyliorhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
EPR (PEA)
Sharks
Anterior margin of first dorsal fin at a low angle to body axis, 2 Anal fin less than half height of dorsals, 3 Snout less than 1.5 times the mouth length, 4 Long, narrow, ribbon-like caudal fin with prominent dark banding.
1 4
23
< 1m
Proscyllidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
HYB (THH)
Sharks
A small moderate sized shark with an elongated body, Snout relatively long and narrowly rounded, Eyes horizontally oval on sides of head, Lateral labial furrow moderately long about twice as long as medial, The origin of first dorsal fin just behind free rear tip of pectoral fins, Second dorsal fin smaller than first but larger than anal fin, Ventral caudal lobe long.
5 3 6 7
24
> 1m
Triakidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
TLO (TIO)
Sharks
Eyes horizontally oval on sides of head, Upper labial furrows longer than lower, Small dorsal fins, origin of first set far forward over pectoral fin bases, Second dorsal fin slightly smaller than first dorsal and over twice as large as anal fin, Caudal fin with lower lobe hardly indicated, Teeth small and pointed.
4 5
25
< 1m
Triakidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
TMO (MTM)
Sharks
Max: 150cm
Snout relatively long and narrowly rounded, Upper and lower labial furrows similar length, First dorsal fin between pectoral and pelvic fin bases, Lower caudal lobe semi falcate, Mouth with flattened smooth teeth in alternating rows, Second dorsal fin sometimes with a black tip.
26
> 1m
Triakidae
Interdorsal Ridge
HCM (HCM)
Sharks
Snout wedge shaped in dorsoventral view, 2 Gill slits at least two times length of eyes, 3 First dorsal origin slightly anterior to posterior corner of pectoral fin, 4 Upper teeth smooth edged and front teeth protrude from a very long mouth.
5
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
27
> 1m
Hemigaleidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
HHE (HEE)
Sharks
Snout rounded in dorsoventral view, Large curved saw-edged upper teeth and hooked lower teeth that protrude from mouth, First dorsal slightly posterior to inner posterior corner of pectoral fin, Second dorsal well ahead of anal fin, Second dorsal fin about 2/3 as large as first, Pectoral fin falcate, No colour pattern.
5 4
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
28
> 1m
Hemigaleidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
PRA
Sharks
Snout with narrowly rounded tip with a pair of narrow, black lines, Gills equal to eye length, First dorsal origin slightly posterior to inner posterior corner of pectoral fin, Second dorsal origin opposite or slightly ahead of anal fin origin, Second dorsal around two-thirds area of first, Pectoral fin falcate, Upper teeth smooth edged proximally (mesially) with prominant distal cusplets.
5 4
2 6
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
29
< 1m
Hemigaleidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCV (ALS)
Sharks
Conspicuous white tips and posterior margins on all fins, Origin of first dorsal over inner corner of pectoral, Origin of second dorsal over/behind anal origin, Second dorsal fin moderately high, Snout moderately long and broadly rounded, Upper teeth broadly triangular and serrated with a broad angular notch on each edge, Lower teeth with a narrow, erect, finely serrated cusp.
2 4 3
30
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos): sometimes with irregular white edge to first dorsal. Obvious broad black posterior margin to entire caudal fin in C. amblyrhynchos.
CCA
Sharks
Max: 300cm
Snout rounded and rather long, First dorsal fin high, originates over inner margins of pectoral fins, Pectoral fins long and not strongly falcate, Anal fin slightly larger than second dorsal fin, Upper teeth large, broadly triangular and moderately serrate, Lower teeth with arrow-like, erect, finely serrated cusp.
4 3
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
31
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
CCG (CCY)
Graceful shark
Sharks
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides
Born: 52cm - 55cm Max: 167cm
Key ID Features Tubby shark with wedged shaped pointed snout, Conspicuous white flank mark, Fins often with black tips, Origin of first dorsal over/behind pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal over/anterior to anal origin, Upper teeth moderately serrated with narrow cusps, Lower teeth finely serrated with erect cusps.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4 5
32
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCK (AML)
Sharks
Max: 160cm
Snout broadly rounded, Tail with conspicuous black band along margin, First dorsal sometimes with irregular white edge, All other fins with black/dusky tips, Origin of first dorsal over/anterior to pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal over anal origin, Upper teeth serrate with a fairly narrow cusp which is erect on medial two teeth. Lower teeth finely serrated with a narrow, slightly oblique cusps.
3 5 6 2
4 1
33
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus): striking white tips and trailing edges on all fins in C. albimarginatus.
CCH (CCF)
Sharks
Max: 280cm
Other Information: generally found in deeper water than C. leucas. Does not commonly occur in same areas as C. lecuas.
Very stout with short blunt snout, Fins with dusky tips but not strikingly marked, First dorsal fin height more than three times that of the second dorsal fin, Origin of first dorsal over/anterior to pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal anterior to anal origin, Upper margin of second dorsal fin nearly straight, Upper teeth broadly triangular, coarsely serrated, posterior teeth with an oblique cusps. Lower teeth with a narrower, moderately serrated but broad cusps.
2 7 1
Upper tooth
Carcharhinidae
CCB (CCB)
Sharks
Long pointed snout slightly depressed with small eyes, Most fins with black tip except in young, Origin of first dorsal over/behind pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal slightly behind anal origin, Prominent labial furrow longer than any other Carcharhinus sp., Teeth in both jaws with a narrow cusp on a broad base, Upper teeth finely serrated and lower teeth smooth.
3 4
2 1
Labial furrow
Upper tooth
35
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCW (CCD)
Sharks
Max: 100cm
Black spot on second dorsal, no other markings, Origin of first dorsal between pectoral insertion and corner, Origin of second dorsal over/behind anal origin, 13 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 13 - 14 on lower jaw, Lower teeth with a narrow oblique finely serrate cusp on a broad root.
Other Information: image of shark Rima Jacado. It is thought that C. dussumieri propably consists of more than species, further analysis is ongoing (pers comm Alec Moore).
1 3
36
>1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
FAL (FAL)
Sharks
Max: 330cm
First dorsal fin low with moderately rounded apex, Second dorsal fin very low, Pectoral fins long and falcate, Elongate and slender body, Origin of first dorsal behind pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal over/behind anal origin, Upper teeth triangular with a slight indentation on the antero-medial edge and a deeper angular notch on the postero-lateral edge. Lower teeth with a narrow, erect, smooth edged cusp on a broad root.
1 6 2
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
37
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
CCG
Sharks
Max: 300cm
Snout broad and rounded, First forsal fin tall and nearly straight, Origin of first dorsal over posterior third of pectoral fin inner margin, Origin of second dorsal over anal fin, Second dorsal fin almost equal in size to anal fin, Long pectoral fins straight, each with a pointed tip, Edges of fins are dusky but not prominently marked.
5 6 1 7
38
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
CCC (CCK)
Sharks
Snout moderately long and narrowly pointed or rounded, Black tips on pectorals, second dorsal and caudal lobes, First dorsal fin with narrowly rounded apex, Second dorsal fin moderately high, its inner margin thin and elongated, Origin of first dorsal just behind pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal over/behind anal origin, Upper teeth with a narrow fairly oblique cusp which is smooth edged or weakly serrate, the base on each side has 4 prominent cusplets. Lower teeth with cusp more erect and slender without cusplets.
3 6 4
2 1
39
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
LEI (CCJ)
Sharks
Short, bluntly pointed snout, Conspicuous black tips on all fins, dusky in adults, Fairly large first dorsal and moderately large second dorsal both with short rear tips, Small pectoral fins, Smooth and erect-cusped upper teeth.
Adult
Juvenile
3 3
4 2 1 5
Upper tooth
40
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCE (CCE)
Sharks
Max: 340cm
Other Information: generally found in shallower, coastal waters than C. amboinensis. Does not commonly occur in same areas as C. amboinensis.
Stocky species with short blunt snout, Dusky fin tips but not strikingly marked, First dorsal fin height up to 3.1 times that of second dorsal fin, Origin of first dorsal over pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal anterior to anal origin, Upper margin of second dorsal fin concave, Upper teeth broadly triangular and strongly serrated. Lower teeth with a narrower cusp, erect medially in jaw and less strongly serrated than uppers.
3 5 6
2 1 7
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
Carcharhinidae
CCL (CCL)
Sharks
Max: 255cm
Long pointed snout with small eyes, Most fins with black tip, anal usually plain in adults, Origin of first dorsal over/behind pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal over/anterior to anal origin, Upper teeth narrowly cusped with very fine serrations apically becoming more coarse at base, Lower teeth with a very narrow finely serrated cusp.
3 4
2 1 5
Upper tooth
42
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
OCS (OCS)
Sharks
Snout short and broadly rounded, First dorsal fin noticeably large with a very broadly rounded apex, Pectoral fins very long with broadly rounded wide tip, Tips of first dorsal fin, pectoral fins and lower lobe of caudal fin often white or with white spot, Upper teeth broadly triangular and strongly serrated, Lower teeth with a narrower cusp which is erect in medial teeth with moderate serration.
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
43
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
CCN (CCM)
Sharks
Snout very long, hard and narrowly rounded or pointed, First dorsal with extremely long rear tip, Origin of first dorsal over/behind pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin, Second dorsal fin very low, the inner margin over twice the fin height, Only Carcharhinus sp. with a hyper-calcified rostrum, Upper teeth with a narrow slightly oblique, smooth edged central cusp, the base on each side has 4 cusplets. Lower teeth with a long, narrow, slightly oblique, smooth edged cusp and no basal cusplets.
2 4 5
Upper tooth
44
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCR (BLR)
Sharks
Short, bluntly rounded snout, Large black blotch on first dorsal with white below, All other fins with black tip, tail with thin black edge, Brownish grey skin, Origin of first dorsal over pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal over anal origin, Upper teeth narrowly cusped, oblique, with a broad angular notch. Lower teeth with a narrow, slightly oblique finely serrated cusp on a broad base.
3 1 7
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
45
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
CCP (CCP)
Sharks
Max: 240cm
Moderately long, rounded snout, Extremely tall first dorsal fin and large pectorals, First dorsal fin height more than half predorsal space, No conspicuous markings on fins, Origin of first dorsal over/anterior to pectoral insertion, Origin of second dorsal over/anterior to anal origin, Upper teeth broadly triangular , moderately serrate and slightly oblique. Lower teeth with a narrow, finely serrated, slightly oblique cusp on a broad based root.
3 6
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
46
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
CCO (CCQ)
Sharks
Max: 160cm
Obvious black spot on lower tail lobe, Second dorsal fin low and elongated, Second dorsal, anal and pectorals with black tip, Origin of first dorsal over pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin, Nasal flaps elongate and nipple shaped, Upper teeth triangular, slightly to strongly oblique with a large angular notch on the posterolateral edge and strong cusplets. Lower teeth with a narrow, oblique, finely serrated cusp of moderate height.
4 5 2
3 7 6
Upper tooth
47
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
TIG (TIG)
Sharks
Broad head with blunt snout, Prominent vertical stripes on body (broken in young, faded in adults), Slit like spiracles, very long labial furrows extending to front of eyes, Prominent lateral keel on caudal peduncle, 10 - 11 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw. Decreasing in size towards the corner of the mouth, Distinctive teeth, similar in shape in both jaws and strongly serrated.
4 2
Upper tooth
6
Lower tooth
48
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
Interdorsal Ridge
LMS (CLD)
Sharks
Eyes with posterior notch, Long snout, parbolic in shape, length greater than width, Origin of first dorsal behind pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin, Second dorsal small and low with large free posterior margin, Labial furrows very short/rudimentary, 12 - 14 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw. Teeth in both jaws are smooth edged, highly oblique with a deep notch on the postero-lateral edge.
3 4 1
Upper tooth
49
< 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
NAS (NGA)
Sharks
Max: 310cm
Snout short and broad, rounded or obtusely wedge shaped, Mouth below eyes, Pale yellow brown colouration, First and second dorsal fins approximately of equal size, Origin of first dorsal over/behind pectoral corner, Pectoral fins broad and strongly falcate, Upper teeth with a moderately long narrow cusp on a broad base. Lower teeth similar but with even narrower cusps and less oblique.
4 4
2 6
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
50
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
BSH (BSH)
Sharks
Max: 380cm
Very distinctive dark blue colouration, white below, Snout long and narrowly rounded, Very slim body with very long and narrow pectoral fins, more than twice the length of the first dorsal fin, First dorsal fin small, origin well behind pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal behind anal origin, Weak keel on caudal peduncle, Curved, saw edged, triangular upper teeth.
4 5 6
51
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
RHA (RHA)
Sharks
Long upper and lower labial furrows, Number of enlarged pores at mouth corner, more than eight, Origin of first dorsal over/before pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin, Long prominent pre-anal ridges, 12 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw. Upper teeth with a highly diagonal blade like cusp which is finely serrate in adults. Lower teeth similar but the anteromedial edge concave and serrate smaller.
Grey sharpnose shark (Rhizopriondon oligolinx): short upper and lower labial furrows and number of pores beside mouth corner <8 in R. oligolinx.
3 4
Upper tooth
52
Carcharhinidae
RHO (RHX)
Sharks
Max: 70cm
Short upper and lower labial furrows, Number of enlarged pores at mouth corner, 3 - 8, Origin of first dorsal over/before pectoral corner, Origin of second dorsal well behind anal origin, Long prominent pre-anal ridges, 11 - 12 teeth in upper jaw and 11 in lower jaw, Upper teeth with a highly diagonal blade like cusp. Lower teeth similar but the anteromedial edge concave.
Milk shark (Rhizopriondon acutus): long upper and lower labial furrows and number of pores beside mouth corner >8 in R. acutus.
3 4
53
Carcharhinidae
SLS (SLA)
Sharks
Max: 74cm
Head elongated greatly depressed and trowel shaped, Pectoral fins short and broadly triangular, Free rear tip of first dorsal fin over mid bases of pelvic fins, Second dorsal fin origin well behind anal fin origin, Anal fin much longer than second dorsal, Hind margin of caudal fin only shallowly concave, Small, smooth edged, blade like teeth.
6 5 2
54
< 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
TOW (TRB)
Sharks
Max: 200cm
Extremely short broad snout with large nasal flaps, Eyes horizontally elongated, Conspicuous white tip on first dorsal and tail, Origin of first dorsal well behind pectoral corner, Second dorsal same size with similar origin as anal, Teeth similar in both jaws, smooth edged, with a large oblique, narrow, central cusp and a small cusp basally on each side.
3 4 2 5
55
> 1m
Carcharhinidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SEB (EUB)
Sharks
Head long and narrow, Width between eyes about half body length, Knobs along anterior margin of head, Nostrils greatly enlarged, First dorsal fin origin over pectoral fin bases, further forward than other hammerheads, 15 - 16 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 14 on lower jaw, Teeth similar in both jaws; not serrate, the cusp of each strongly projecting posterolaterally.
1 3
56
> 1m
Sphyrnidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SPL (SPL)
Sharks
Head with prominent median indentation plus two smaller lateral indentations, Broadly arched posterior margin of head in adults, Second dorsal and pelvic fins low, Anal fin base noticeably larger than second dorsal fin base, 15 - 16 teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw, Upper teeth with a narrow oblique cusp on a broad base, the edges slightly serrated only in large adults, Lower teeth with an even narrow cusp, erect to slightly oblique.
Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran):posterior margin of head more or less straight in adult S. mokarran. Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): anterior edge of head without central notch in S. zygaena.
57
Sphyrnidae
Upper tooth
SPK (SPK)
Sharks
Notch at the centre of the head, Anterior margin of head more or less straight in adults, First dorsal fin high and falcate, Second dorsal fin and pelvic fin high and falcate, 17 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 16 - 17 in lower jaw, Teeth with clear serrations.
3 4
1 2
Upper tooth
Lower tooth
58
> 1m
Sphyrnidae
No Interdorsal Ridge
SPZ (SPZ)
Sharks
No notch at centre of curved head, First dorsal fin high, moderately falcate, Second dorsal fin small with a very long inner margin, Pectoral fins short and broad, Anal fin bases slightly longer than second dorsal fin base, 13 - 15 teeth on each side of upper jaw and 12 - 14 on lower jaw, Upper teeth triangular and oblique, smooth or finely serrate, Lower teeth similar to uppers but a little smaller and with a narrower cusp.
2 3
5 4
Upper tooth
Sphyrnidae