Sharks, guitarfish, sawfish and rays.

A field guide to the elasmobranchs of south-east Arabia

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Thomas Vignaud

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

Using the guide

This elasmobranch identification guide is designed to aid with the identification of species found in Omani waters. A number of features allow for easy use. The guide is split into four groups, which are colour coded as follows; sharks, guitarfish, rays and sawfish. The tab for each section can be found in the top right hand corner of the guide. To assist in identification, each group can be split further; coloured tabs on the right hand side of the page are used to identify each section (interdorsal ridge, family and size). Interdorsal ridge - presence or absence of a prominant ridge on the back of the shark between the dorsal fins on the back of the shark. No interdorsal ridge Interdorsal ridge shark families Echinorhinidae Ginglystomatidae Alopiidae Triakidae Guitarfish families Rhinidae Ray families Dasyatidae Torpedinidae Sawfish family Pristidae Maximum length of animal > 1m < 1m Each page of the guide contains the following information: A three letter local identification code which is unique to each species. It is followed, where it exists, by a second code in brackets; this is the official Food and Agriculture Orgaanisation (FAO) code for this species. The English common name of the species. The scientific name of the species. Average size at birth and maximum length as an adult. The key features to identify a species and, where applicable, similar species. How to identify between these species along with other information that will aid identification (limited to species known to occur in the region). Each page of the guide aims to have the following information: A photograph of the species, underside of the head and the upper and lower teeth. A line drawing of the species and underside of the head. Where gaps exist, images are required and would be greatly recieved by the authors. III Squatinidae Stegostomatidae Lamnidae Hemigaleidae Rhinobatidae Gymnuridae Narcinidae Heterodontidae Rhincodontidae Scyliorhinidae Carcharhinidae Rhynchobatidae Myliobatidae Mobulidae Hemiscyllidae Odontaspididae Proscyllidae Sphyrnidae

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)

Bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 6 5

Sharks

Born: 40cm - 50cm Max: 305cm - 310cm

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)

African angel shark Squatina africana

Born: 28cm - 30cm Max: 122cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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

Oman bullhead shark Heterodontus omanensis

Born: unknown Max: at least 61cm
Key ID Features
1

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.

Other Information: known only from 10 specimens.

< 1m

Heterodontidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

HCA (ORA)

Arabian bamboo shark Chiloscyllium arabicum

Born: 10cm Max: 70cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Grey bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium griseum): first dorsal fin base longer than second on C. griseum. Interdorsal space shorter in C. griseum.

2 4

< 1m

Hemiscyllidae

Interdorsal Ridge

HCG (ORR)

Grey bamboo shark Chiloscyllium griseum

Born: 12cm Max: 77cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Arabian bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium arabicum): second dorsal fin base longer than first in C. arabicum. Interdorsal space longer in C. arabicum.

2 3 5

Chiloscyllium griseum pup

10

< 1m

Hemiscyllidae

Interdorsal Ridge

GNF (ORZ)

Tawny nurse shark Nebrius ferrugineus

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

Sharks

Born: 40cm - 60cm Max: 314cm - 320cm

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.

Other Information: image of shark Rima Jacado.

4 3

11

> 1m

Ginglystomatidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

SSF (OSF)

Zebra shark Stegostoma fasciatum

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sharks

Born: 20cm - 36cm Max: 250cm - 350cm

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.

Other Information: image of adult shark David Robinson.

12

> 1m

Stegostoma fasciatum pup

Stegostomatidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

RRT (RHN)

Whale shark Rhincodon typus

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

Sharks

Born: 55cm - 64cm Max: 1700cm - 2100cm

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.

Other Information: image of shark David Robinson.

4 5

13

> 1m

Rhincodontidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

OST (CCT)

Sandtiger shark Carcharias taurus

Born: 95cm - 105cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Other Information: image of shark Rima Jibado.

3 1 5 2

14

> 1m

Odontaspididae

No Interdorsal Ridge

AAP (PTH)

Pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus

Born: 130cm - 160cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

15 Bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus): when viewed from above eyes visable on dorsal surface of head of A. superciliosus. Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus): pectoral fins are falcate and pointed with white patch on flank above pectoral fins in A. vulpinus.

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

Alopiidae

ASS (BTH)

Bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus

Born: 100cm - 140cm
Key ID Features
1

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus): pectoral fins are falcate and pointed with white patch on flank above pectoral fins in A. vulpinus. Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus): pectoral fins long, nearly straight and broad tipped with no white patch above pectoral fins in A. pelagicus.

Upper tooth
2

16

> 1m

Alopiidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

AAV (ALV)

Thresher shark Alopias vulpinus

Born: 114cm - 160cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus): when viewed from above eyes visable on dorsal surface of head of A. superciliosus. Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus): pectoral fins long, nearly straight and broad tipped with no white patch above pectoral fins in A. pelagicus.

Other Information: image of shark NOAA

17

> 1m

Alopiidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

SMA (SMA)

Shortfin shark Isurus oxyrinchus

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

Sharks

Born: 60cm - 70cm Max: 400cm

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Longfin mako (Isurus paucus): pectoral fins longer (as long as head) and underside of snout dusky in adult I. paucus.

3 1

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

18

> 1m

Lamnidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

LMA (LMA)

Longfin mako shark Isurus paucus

Born: 97cm - 120cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrhinchus): pectoral fins shorter (shorter than head) and underside of snout white in adult I. oxyrhinchus.

Other Information: image of shark Guy Stevens.

3 1

19

> 1m

Lamnidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

SAI (APD)

Smallbelly catshark Apristurus indicus

Born: unknown Max: >34cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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)

Balloon shark Cephaloscyllium sufflans

Born: 20cm - 22cm Max: >106cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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)

Speckled catshark Halaelurus boesemani

Born: 7cm Max: 48cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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)

Pygmy ribbontail catshark Eridacnis radcliffei

Born: 11cm Max: 24cm
Key ID Features
1

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)

Blacktip tope Hypogaleus hyugaensis

Born: 35cm Max: 130cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Bigeye houndshark Iago omanensis

Born: 17cm Max: 84cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Arabian smoothhound (Mustelus mosis): first dorsal between pectoral and pelvic fin bases in M. mosis.. Flattened teeth in M. mosis.

4 5

25

< 1m

Triakidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

TMO (MTM)

Arabian smoothound Mustelus mosis

Born: 63cm - 67cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Bigeye houndshark (Iago omanensis): first dorsal origin forward over pectoral fin bases. Pointed teeth in I. omanensis.

26

> 1m

Triakidae

Interdorsal Ridge

HCM (HCM)

Hooktooth shark Chaenogaleus macrostoma

Born: 20cm Max: 100cm
Key ID Features
1

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

Similar Species and Differences

Slender weasel shark (Paragaleus randalii): gills equal to eye length and a pair of black lines on underside of snout in P. randalii.

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

27

> 1m

Hemigaleidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

HHE (HEE)

Snaggletooth shark Hemipristis elongatus

Born: 45cm - 52cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sharks

Max: 230cm - 240cm

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

Slender weasel shark Paragaleus randalii

Born: 29cm Max: 81cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Hooktooth shark (Chaenogaleus macrostoma): gills at least two times length of eyes, no black lines in underside of snout in C. macrostoma.

5 4

2 6

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

29

< 1m

Hemigaleidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

CCV (ALS)

Silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus

Born: 63cm - 68cm Max: 300cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Other Information: image of shark Guy Stevens

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

Bignose shark Carcharhinus altimus

Born: 70cm - 90cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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

Other Information: image of shark and underside of head Alec Moore

4 5

32

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

CCK (AML)

Grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Born: 45cm - 60cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Other Information: image of shark Thomas Vignaud.

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)

Pigeye shark Carcharhinus amboinensis

Born: 71cm - 72cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

34 Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas): first dorsal fin height up to 3.1 times that of second dorsal fin in C. leucas.

2 7 1

Upper tooth

Carcharhinidae

CCB (CCB)

Spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna

Born: 60cm - 75cm Max: 278cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus): head conical, first dorsal fin origin over/behind pectoral insertion and anal fin usually plain in adult C. limbatus.

3 4

2 1

Labial furrow

Upper tooth

35

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

CCW (CCD)

Whitecheek shark Carcharhinus dussumieri

Born: 37cm - 38cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5

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)

Silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis

Born: 70cm - 87cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Other Information: image of shark Guy Stevens.

1 6 2

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

37

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

Interdorsal Ridge Interdorsal Ridge

CCG

Galapagos shark Carcharhinus galapagensis

Born: 60cm - 81cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos): snout longer, interdorsal ridge absent and a broad black band on the posterior margin of the caudal fin in C. amblyrhynchos.

Other Information: shark image NOAA

5 6 1 7

38

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

Interdorsal Ridge Interdorsal Ridge

CCC (CCK)

Pondicherry shark Carcharhinus hemiodon

Born: 45cm Max: 160cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Smoothtooth blacktip Carcharhinus leiodon

Born: unknown
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5

Sharks

Max: at least 123cm

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)

Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas

Born: 56cm - 81cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

41 Pigeye shark (Carcharhinus amboinensis): first dorsal fin height is more than 3 times that of second dorsal fin in C. amboinensis.

3 5 6

2 1 7

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

Carcharhinidae

CCL (CCL)

Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus

Born: 38cm - 72cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna): head slightly compressed, first dorsal fin origin over/behind pectoral corner, anal fin usually black in adult C. brevipinna.

3 4

2 1 5

Upper tooth

42

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

OCS (OCS)

Oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus

Born: 60cm - 65cm Max: 350cm - 395cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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)

Hardnose shark Carcharhinus macloti

Born: 40cm - 50cm Max: 110cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus

Born: 33cm - 52cm Max: 200cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Other Information: shark image Guy Stevens

3 1 7

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

45

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

CCP (CCP)

Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus

Born: 56cm - 75cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Spot tail shark Carcharhinus sorrah

Born: 45cm - 60cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

Sharks

Born: 51cm - 76cm Max: 550cm

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.

Other Information: image of shark Thomas Vignaud.

4 2

Upper tooth
6

Lower tooth

48

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

Interdorsal Ridge

LMS (CLD)

Sliteye shark Loxodon macrorhinus

Born: 40cm - 43cm Max: 91cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Sicklefin lemon shark Negaprion acutidens

Born: 45cm - 80cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Other Information: image of shark Guy Stevens.

4 4

2 6

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

50

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

BSH (BSH)

Blue shark Prionace glauca

Born: 35cm - 44cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Other Information: image of shark Mark Conlin (NMFS)

4 5 6

51

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

RHA (RHA)

Milk shark Rhizoprionodon acutus

Born: 25cm - 39cm Max: 178cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

1

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)

Grey sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon oligolinx

Born: 21cm - 26cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge < 1m

1

Milk shark (Rhizopriondon acutus): long upper and lower labial furrows and number of pores beside mouth corner >8 in R. acutus.

Other Information: image of shark Rima Jabado.

3 4

53

Carcharhinidae

SLS (SLA)

Spadenose shark Scoliodon laticaudus

Born: 12cm - 15cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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)

Whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus

Born: 52cm - 60cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

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.

Other Information: image of shark Rima Jacado.

3 4 2 5

55

> 1m

Carcharhinidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

SEB (EUB)

Winghead shark Eusphyra blochii

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sharks

Born: 32cm - 45cm Max: 186cm

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)

Scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini

Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sharks

Born: 42cm - 55cm Max: 370cm - 420cm

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

2

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)

Great hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran

Born: 50cm - 70cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6

Sharks

Max: 550cm - 610cm

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.

Similar Species and Differences

Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): anterior edge of head without central notch in S. zygaena. Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): posterior margin of head broadly arched in S. lewini.

Other Information: image of shark Alec Moore.

3 4

1 2

Upper tooth

Lower tooth

58

> 1m

Sphyrnidae

No Interdorsal Ridge

SPZ (SPZ)

Smooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena

Born: 50cm - 61cm
Key ID Features
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sharks

Max: 370cm - 400cm

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.

Similar Species and Differences No Interdorsal Ridge > 1m

59 Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini): posterior margin of head broadly arched in S. lewini. Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran): posterior margin of head more or less straight in adult S. mokarran.

2 3

5 4

Upper tooth

Sphyrnidae