Finetooth Shark
Photo Courtesy of Dr. George Burgess
Appearance: Small shark. Moderately long pointed snout. Fairly large eyes and very long gill slits. Origin of first dorsal fin over or only slightly behind to the insertions of the pectoral fins. As its name implies, this shark has very small, fine, clear teeth. No interdorsal ridge.
Coloration: Dark bluish grey above and white below with an inconspicuous white band on the flank. No conspicuous markings on fins.
Distribution: Western Atlantic: New York to Florida. Cuba, Gulf of Mexico. Southern Brazil.
Biology: Not much is known about this species. Forms large schools. Feeding: Feeds on small fishes and cephalopods. Size: Average size about 5 ft., maximum up to 6.5 ft.
Reproduction: Viviparous, with a yolksac-placenta, 1 to 6 pups per litter. Size at birth between 1.5 and 2 ft. Pups show a fast growth rate. Males mature at about 4.5 ft, females mature at about 5 ft.
Danger to humans: Not considered dangerous.
