Australian Sharpnose Shark

Maximum longevity: 7 years (wild)

Brownish grey above, white below, fins light-edged but not conspicuously marked (Ref. 9997).

Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta (Ref. 9997) and 1-10 pups after a gestation period of 11-12 months; born at ~ 25 cm TL; very rapid growth (Ref.58048). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0

Occurs on the continental shelf and slope (Ref. 75154).

A little-known shark (Ref. 9997) found on the continental shelf from close inshore to a depth of at least 110 m (Ref. 6871). Feeds mainly on fishes, but also takes cephalopods and crustaceans (Ref. 6871). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught frequently by inshore demersal gillnet fisheries off Papua, but rarely elsewhere. Utilized for its fins and meat (Ref.58048). Too small to be of any commercial importance (Ref. 6871).

The Australian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon taylori) is a requiem shark, belonging to the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean off Papua New Guinea and northern Australia, between latitudes 8°N and 28°S, from the surface to a depth of 110 m. It can grow up to a length around 70 cm.