Bay Shark, Black Whaler, Brown Common Gray Shark, Brown Shark, Dusky Whaler, Slender Whaler
Carcharhinus obscurus
Description:
Interdorsal ridge in elongated body with heterocercal tail. Relatively short, rounded snout. Dorsal side is grayish blue or bronzed-grey with a pale, white belly. The firstal dorsal fin slopes with its origin over the pectoral fin tip. Second dorsal fin tip is less than twice as long as fin height. Dusky pigmentation on anal fin.
Average Maximum Size:
360 cm (12 ft)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Both Dusky and Sandbar Sharks have interdorsal ridges. However, the Dusky Shark has pigment on its anal fin, and in Sandbar sharks the first dorsal fin starts in front of the pectoral fin
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Massachusetts to Nicaragua
Habitat:
Coastal to outer continental shelf. Along shorelines. Adults are known to avoid low salinity estuaries. May enter sounds to feed. Juveniles congregate in estuaries.
