Atlantic sharpnose shark
{{Short description|Species of shark}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Atlantic sharpnose shark
| image = Rhizoprionodon terraenovae nmfs.jpg
| image_upright = 1.1
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Rhizoprionodon
| species = terraenovae
| authority = (J. Richardson, 1836)
| range_map = Rhizoprionodon terraenovae distmap.png
| range_map_upright = 1.1
| range_map_caption = Range of the Atlantic sharpnose shark
}}
The Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) is a species of requiem shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the subtropical waters of the north-western Atlantic Ocean, between latitudes 43°N and 18°N.
Description
The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a small shark in comparison to others. The Atlantic sharpnose shark's maximum species length is known to be about {{convert|110|–|120|cm|ft|abbr=on}}. Although its average adult size tends to be about {{convert|91.4|–|99|cm|ft|abbr=on}}. Reports exist of these sharks living up to 19 years in the wild.{{cite journal | title=Longevity of Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae and Blacknose Sharks Carcharhinus acronotus in the western North Atlantic Ocean based on tag-recapture data and direct age estimates | date=27 January 2015 | last1=Frazier | first1=Bryan S. | last2=Iii | first2=William B. Driggers | last3=Ulrich | first3=Glenn F. | journal=F1000Research | volume=3 | page=190 | doi=10.12688/f1000research.4767.2 | doi-access=free | pmid=25685321 | pmc=4314659 }} A distinctive feature is that juveniles have black edges on the dorsal and caudal fins.
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae SI2.jpg|Top view
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae SI3.jpg|Head, bottom view
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae jaws.jpg|Jaws
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae upper teeth.jpg|Upper teeth
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae lower teeth.jpg|Lower teeth
Habitat
Atlantic sharpnose sharks can be found as far north as New Brunswick, Canada, to as far south as the southern Gulf of Mexico. Reports of specimens from Brazil are likely being confused with the Brazilian sharpnose shark. Atlantic sharpnose sharks prefer to live in warmer shallow coastal waters. As they are often found in waters less than {{convert|10.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep. Although Atlantic sharpnose reportedly were found at {{convert|280|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep.
Feeding habits
Maturation
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are born ranging from a length of {{convert|29|–|37|cm|in|abbr=on}}. For the first three months after birth, they grow an average of {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on}} per month. Then, in the winter and spring, the average growth rate decreases to {{convert|0.9|cm|in|abbr=on}} per month until the shark reaches a length of {{convert|60|to|65|cm|in|abbr=on}}, in which the shark's growth rate increases linearly about {{convert|1.3|cm|in|abbr=on}} per month for about a year. Males mature at the age of 2–3 years at a length of {{convert|80|–|85|cm|in|abbr=on}}, while females seem to mature at the age of 2.5–3.5 years old, at a length around {{convert|84|–|89|cm|in|abbr=on}}.
Reproduction
Female Atlantic sharpnose sharks are viviparous, and tend to have a litter of four to six pups, but litter size may range from one to seven pups, after a gestation period of 10–11 months. The pups are usually born at between {{convert|29|and|37|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length. Females are found in the marine estuaries during the late spring, but they breed mostly throughout the year.
Captivity
Generally, Atlantic sharpnose sharks are better suited for public aquaria, or very experienced private shark aquarists who are capable of caring for them. These sharks are highly active swimmers and require ample space. Also, these sharks tend to do best in small schools of at least three sharks. Tanks or ponds which are round or oval-shaped are best suited for these sharks. They have been reported to live at least 4 years in captivity.
References
{{Commons category|Rhizoprionodon terraenovae}}
{{Portal|Sharks}}
{{Reflist|refs=
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{{Selachimorpha|Ca.}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q756958}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atlantic, shark, sharpnose}}
Category:Fish of the Eastern United States
Category:Fish of the Western Atlantic