Identification Guide to

Common Sharks and Rays of the

Caribbean
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the
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or policies of FAO.

FAO, 2016

ISBN 978-92-5-109245-3

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FAO. 2016. Identification guide to common sharks and rays of the Caribbean, by
Ramn Bonfil. FishFinder Programme. Rome, Italy.
Supervision: Kim Friedman (FAO, Rome), Raymon Van Anrooy (FAOSLC, Barbados).
Technical editor: Edoardo Mostarda (FAO, Rome).
Colour illustrations, images, graphic design and cover: Emanuela DAntoni (FAO,
Rome).
Technical revision: Nikola Simpson (FAOSLC, Barbados).

This guide was prepared under the CITES-FAO collaboration on immediate actions
in support of the implementation of CITES listings of sharks and manta rays project
and developed in close collaboration with the FishFinder Programme of the
Marine and Inland Fisheries Branch, Fisheries Department, Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United nations (FAO).
It includes a selection of shark and ray species occurring in the Wider Caribbean
Region, that is the waters of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean adjacent thereto. In total, 41 shark and 20 ray species are included.
These species were selected because of their relevance to commercial fisheries or
vulnerability to exploitation due to their life history characteristics. Of these, 29
shark and 9 ray species are presented in a full species card and depicted with a
colour illustration and photo. Short accounts of 12 shark and 11 ray species that are
less common in the region and could be misidentified with more common species,
are also included.
This guide is intended to help fishery workers collecting catch data in the field in the
identification of the sharks and rays they might encounter for the specific purpose
of improving the quality of catch and landings data. The guide is expected to be
useful also for fisheries inspectors, observers and enforcement officers of the navy,
coastguard and customs.

FishFinder Programme, Marine and Inland Fisheries Branch (FIAF). Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.

Website: www.fao.org/fishery/fishfinder/en
Email: FishFinder@fao.org
1
 GUIDE TO ORDERS INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE
The shark and ray species included in this guide belong to nine Orders and sixteen
Families. The species cards are colour coded by Order. The user can check the caught
specimen against the guide below and follow the colour code or page numbers to
reach the species cards.
Only one dorsal fin

No anal fin
6 or 7 gill slits
HEXANCHIFORMES Pages 10 and 11 SQUALIFORMES Pages 12 and 13
Eyes without a
movable lower
eyelid

Anal fin Mouth well in

front of eyes

LAMNIFORMES Pages 14 to 19 ORECTOLOBIFORMES Pages 20 and 21

pectoral fins not
Eyes with a attached to head
movable lower Body flattened,
eyelid raylike

Mouth No anal fin

terminal
CARCHARHINIFORMES Pages 22 to 58 SQUATINIFORMES Page 59
2
 Snout with a long, flat, relatively
wide rostrum surrounded by large
teeth on both sides

gill slits on
underside of body Body flattened

PRISTIFORMES Pages 60 and 61

Tail slender to stout, with two
dorsal fins and a rudimentary
caudal fin
Body flattened

Body flattened,
raylike
RHINOBATIFORMES Pages 62 and 63

Tail thin, mostly long

and whiplike, often with
serrated sting on root

MYLIOBATIFORMES Pages 64 to 75

3
 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Family Scientific name FAO name in English, FAO 3-alpha
name and Autorship French and Spanish code

CITES listing (see page 9)

Scientific illustration
and field marks

Species size: maximum

(Max.), male and female
maturity (Mat.), and birth

Coloration

Photo of freshly
caught specimen

Other helpful Bio-ecology, fishing

details for methods and
identification maximum depth

Similar species
occurring in the
area showing main
differences with the
species on the left
card

4
 HABITAT
Estuarine Coastal, Coastal, Demersal, Oceanic,
and rivers pelagic demersal over slope epipelagic

1875 m

Deep-water, Deep-water,
over slope around seamounts

FISHING METHODS

Bottom trawl Gillnets Purse seine

Longlines Hook-and-line Harpoon

5
 GUIDE OF EXTERNAL TERMINOLOGY OF SHARKS
Dorsal-fin
Spiracle spine (If 1st dorsal fin
Nostril 2nd dorsal fin
present Precaudal
Eye pit
Snout
Keel

Mouth
Labial Pelvic fin Clasper Caudal Caudal fin
furrow (male sex peduncle
organ)
Gill slits Pectoral fin Anal fin

Head Trunk Tail

Total length (TL)

Lateral view

precaudal caudal fin

snout gill slits tail
nostril
anal fin

trunk

anal-fin
vent ridges
mouth
pelvic fin
pectoral (female, no
fin claspers)
6 Ventral view
 Interdorsal-fin labial furrow
ridge

labial fold
Dorsal view
of body Mouth corner
apex
inner
fin insertion margin spine posterior
free anterior margin
rear tip margin
base free
rear tip

fin origin
posterior base
anterior margin
margin origin insertion
Dorsal fin
apex
Pectoral fin terminal
dorsal lobe lobe
dorsal
margin
upper origin
subterminal
notch

lower origin

ventral ventral tip

lobe
Caudal fin 7
 GUIDE OF EXTERNAL TERMINOLOGY OF RAYS
snout
orbit

pectoral fin spiracle

tail

pelvic fin

Dorsal view of a
tail spine
Dasyatidae species
Disc width (DW)

preoral
length

Underside of head of a
Mobula species
8
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between
governments aimed at protecting species of wild fauna and flora from
overexploitation through international trade.
A specimen of a CITES-listed species may be imported into or exported
(or re-exported) from a State party to the Convention only if the appropriate document has been
obtained and presented for clearance at the port of entry or exit. The species covered by CITES are
listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.
Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is
permitted only in exceptional circumstances (i.e. research).
Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade
must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. Countries will
only allow trade in specimens of these species once the Scientific Authority of the State of export
has advised that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species. These non-
detriment findings (NDFs) guarantee that exports of products from listed species covered by the
NDF have not harmed wild populations or ecosystems.
Appendix III includes species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other
CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

How to Safely Release Sharks

The biological characteristic of sharks and rays render them very vulnerable to heavy exploitation
and many species are already considered to be under threat of extinction. Considering this, it is
important to ensure that sharks and rays that are released alive, survive the stress of capture and do
not die shorty after being released. Also, it is important for fishers to handle and release sharks and
rays without risking injury to themselves.
The first recommendation is to make sure that everyone involved knows his or her role during
the release, to increase safety for fish and fishers.
It is very important to use circle hooks rather than J hooks. Since circle hooks usually embed in
the fishs jaw rather than the throat or stomach, they decrease life-threatening injuries.
Non-stainless steel hooks are also recommended because if left in the fish, they will eventually
corrode allowing fish to heal and continue to live healthy lives.
Minimizing fight times and keeping fish in the water while removing hooks also help to increase
survival rates.
Do not use gaffs to secure sharks, and avoid lifting fish out of the water.
Use a de-hooking tool if possible. This avoids risk of being bitten during hook removal.
Resuscitate sharks before release, by pulling them slowly while in the water so that oxygen goes
through their gills.
9
 Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)
Bluntnose sixgill shark Requin griset SBL
Caabota gris
Only one Distance (a) slightly larger than
Eye relatively Six gill slits dorsal fin dorsalfin base length (b)
small b
a

Lower teeth
comblike Colour: grey or tan to
blackish with a conspicuous
HEXANCHIDAE

lighter lateral line.

Underside often lighter.
Size
Upper and lower teeth Max.: 482 cm TL
Mat.: 309 cm TL
6 rows of large teeth on 421 cm TL
each side of mouth
Birth: 65 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

10 1875 m
Similar species
Hexanchus nakamurai Distance (a) much larger than
Only one dorsalfin base length (b)
Eye relatively Six gill slits dorsal fin b
a
large

Lower teeth
comblike

Upper and lower teeth

Size 5 rows of large teeth on
Max.: 180 cm TL each side of mouth

Heptranchias perlo
Seven gill
slits Only one
Eye large dorsal fin

Lower teeth
comblike

Size Upper and lower teeth 5 rows of large teeth on

Max.: 139 cm TL each side of mouth
11
 Squalus cubensis Howell-Rivero, 1936
Cuban dogfish Aiguillat cubain QUC
Galludo cubano

1st dorsalfin spine very Dorsal fins with

long, almost equal to length dark patches
of 1st dorsalfin base

Strongly concave pectoralfin

posterior margins and very
SQUALIDAE

pointed posterior tips

Colour: upper body brown Size

to grey; white margins on Max.: 110 cm TL
Underside of head pectoral fins and posterior Mat.: and 50 cm TL
edge of caudal fin. Birth: unknown

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

380 m

12
Squalus mitsukurii Jordan and Snyder, 1903
Shortspine spurdog Aiguillat pinette QUK
Galludo espinilla
No dark patches on
dorsal fins
Spine on 1st
dorsal fin short

Posterior tips
of pectoral fins

SQUALIDAE
rounded
Size
Colour: upper body grey Max.: 125 cm TL
to brown; pectoral fins and Mat.: 4785 cm TL
posterior edge of caudal fin 50100 cm TL
Underside of head Birth: 2130 cm TL
with thin white margins.

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

954 m
13
 Alopias superciliosus (Lowe, 1841)
Bigeye thresher Renard gros yeux BTH
Zorro ojn
Origin of 1st dorsal fin far
from end of pectoral fins

Eye large

Strong groove
Colour: upper body Size
ALOPIIDAE

greybrown to purplish Max.: 461 cm TL

grey, white to grey below. Mat.: 279300 cm TL
No white patches above 294355 cm TL
pectoral or pelvicfin bases. Birth: 100140 cm TL

Dorsal view of head

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

600 m

14
 Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788)
Thresher Renard ALV
Zorro

Origin of 1st dorsal fin close

to end of pectoral fins
Eye small

ALOPIIDAE
Colour: upper body bluegrey
to dark grey, underside white.
Noticeable white patches above
pectoral and pelvicfin bases
extending from ventral area.

Size
Max.: 573 cm TL
Mat.: 314 cm TL
315400 cm TL
Birth: 114160 cm TL
Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

640 m

15
 Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758)
Great white shark Grand requin blanc CITES
WSH App. II
Jaquetn blanco
2nd dorsal fin very
small

pectoral caudal fin

fins broadly halfmoon
triangular shaped
LAMNIDAE

Colour: upper body Size

bluegrey to greybrown, Max.: 640 cm TL
underside white. Mat.: 350410 cm TL,
Boundary between these 400500 cm TL
tones is generally abrupt. Birth: 109165 cm TL
Underside of head
upper and lower teeth
serrated; upper broadly
triangular

Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: G.H. Burgess

1200 m
16
Similar species
Isurus oxyrinchus See also page 18

Teeth daggerlike,
not serrated
Pectoral fins
Size narrowly Upper and lower
Max.: 396 cm TL triangular tooth

Isurus paucus See also page 19

Teeth daggerlike,
not serrated
pectoral fins as
long as head Upper and lower
Size
tooth
Max.: 417 cm TL

Cetorhinus maximus
gill openings reaching
well under head

Underside of head

Size Teeth very

Max.: 980 cm TL small Upper teeth 17
 Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810
Shortfin mako Taupe bleue SMA
Marrajo dientuso

Head 2nd dorsal fin very

conical small

Snout very
narrowly pectoral fins Strong keel
pointed narrowly
triangular
LAMNIDAE

Colour: upper body bright Size

bluepurplish, underside Max.: 396 cm TL
usually white. Pelvic and anal Mat.: 203215 cm TL,
Underside of head fins dark on anterior halves, 275293 cm TL
white on posterior halves. Birth: 6070 cm TL
Teeth daggerlike
not serrated, with
bent tips

Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: P. Iglesias

620 m

18
Isurus paucus (GuitartManday, 1969)
Longfin mako Petite taupe LMA
Marrajo carite
2nd dorsal fin very
small

pectoral fins as Strong keel

Snout
long as head
broadly
pointed
Colour: upper body

LAMNIDAE
slaty blue or greyblack; Size
underside white, but Max.: 417 cm TL
underside of snout Mat.: 228245 cm TL,
Underside of head and jaws dark in large 245 cm TL
juveniles and adults. Birth: 97120 cm TL
Teeth daggerlike
not serrated, with
straight tips

Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: NOAA

N/A m

19
 Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788)
Nurse shark Requin-nourrice GNC
Gata nodriza
1st dorsal fin above Dorsal fins of
pelvic fins similar size
GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE

small mouth with

whiskers, placed Caudal fin with very small
almost all the way to or no lower lobe
the front of the snout

Size
Colour: upper body yellowish Max.: 304 cm TL
Underside of head to greybrown, underside light Mat.: 210 cm TL,
whitishbrown; young with 230240 cm TL
small dark spots. Birth: 2730 cm TL
Teeth
very
small

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

130 m

20
Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828
Whale shark Requin baleine CITES
RHN App. II
Tiburn ballena
Upper body covered with 1st dorsal fin above
noticeable ridges pelvic fins
lightcolored dots on sides

Mouth very wide
and in front of
head Colour: upper body grey,
bluish or greenishbrown,
with a noticeable pattern of
white or yellow spots and
vertical stripes; underside
white or yellowish.
RHINCODONTIDAE
Size
Max.: 1370 cm TL
Mat.: 705 cm TL,
1060 cm TL
Birth: 55 64 cm TL

Lateral view of
head

Photo: H.B. Osmany

1928 m

21
 Mustelus canis (Mitchill, 1815)
Dusky smoothhound missole douce CTI
Boca dulce

ventral lobe of caudal

fin small and rounded
Upper labial
furrows longer
Colour: upper body
TRIAKIDAE

than lower
furrows olive grey or slaty grey,
underside yellowish or Size
Underside of head whitish grey, posterior Max.: 150 cm TL
margin of first dorsal Mat.: 82 cm TL,
Dermal denticles fin white in younger 90 cm TL
on back between specimens. Birth: 3439 cm TL
dorsal and
pectoral fins, with
a single cusp

Teeth
Dermal denticle Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

150 m

22
Similar species
upper labial furrows
Mustelus higmani See also page 24 about as long as lower
furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles on
ventral lobe of back between dorsal
caudal fin small and and pectoral fins
Size with three cusps
pointed
Max.: 65 cm TL Dermal denticles

Mustelus minicanis upper labial furrows

about as long as lower
furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of
ventral lobe of caudal back mostly with a
Size fin small and rounded single cusps
Max.: 57 cm TL Dermal denticle

Mustelus norrisi upper labial furrows

about as long as lower
furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of
ventral lobe of back mostly with a
Size caudal fin moderate single cusps
Max.: 98 cm TL and pointed Dermal denticle 23
 Mustelus higmani Springer and Lowe, 1963
Smalleye smoothhound missole ti-yeux CTJ
Musola amarilla

ventral lobe of
caudal fin small and
pointed
upper labial furrows
about as long as
TRIAKIDAE

lower furrows

Colour: upper body Size

pale grey or bronze, Max.: 65 cm TL
with golden to brassy Mat.: 43 cm TL,
reflections, underside 48 cm TL
Underside of head whitish. Birth: 2124 cm TL
Dermal
denticles of
back mostly
with three
cusps
Dermal denticles
Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

900 m
24
Similar species
Mustelus canis See also page 22 upper labial furrows
longer than lower
furrows

Underside of head

ventral lobe of Dermal denticles of

caudal fin small back mostly with a
Size and rounded single cusps
Max.: 150 cm TL Dermal denticle

Mustelus minicanis upper labial furrows

about as long as lower
furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of
ventral lobe of back mostly with a
Size caudal fin small and single cusps
Max.: 57 cm TL rounded Dermal denticle

Mustelus norrisi upper labial furrows

about as long as lower
furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of
ventral lobe of back mostly with a
Size caudal fin moderate single cusps
Max.: 98 cm TL and pointed Dermal denticle 25
 Sphyrna lewini (Griffith and Smith, 1834)
Scalloped hammerhead CITES
SPL App. II
Requin-marteau halicorne Cornuda comn
head hammer-like in Free rear tip of 1st Free rear tip of 2nd dorsal
shape, with eyes on dorsal fin far ahead of fin almost touching
sides of hammer-like pelvicfin origins caudalfin origin
projections

posterior margin posterior margin

of pelvic fins nearly of anal fin deeply
SPHYRNIDAE

anterior margin of
straight concave
head convex, with a
strong notch in the Colour: upper body Size
middle grey, greyish brown or Max.: 420 cm TL
olivaceous, underside Mat.: 140165 cm TL,
white; pectoral fins 212 cm TL
tipped dusky below. Birth: 4255 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

980 m
26
Similar species
Sphyrna mokarran See also page 28 anterior margin of head
dorsal fin nearly straight
2nd dorsal fin
higher and higher
strongly falcate

Size posterior margin of pelvic

Max.: 610 cm TL
fins strongly concave
Sphyrna zygaena
free rear tip of 2nd
dorsal fin far from
caudalfin origin
Underside of head
CITES
App. II
anterior margin of head convex,
without a notch in the middle

posterior margin of pelvic

Size fins slightly concave
Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna tudes See also page 32 lateral head expansions

Free rear tip of 1st wider, with more straight
dorsal fin over or behind posterior margins
pelvicfin origins

Size
smaller
Size posterior margin of anal Underside of head
Max.: 150 cm TL fin nearly straight 27
 Sphyrna mokarran (Rppel, 1837)
Great hammerhead Grand requin-marteau
Cornuda gigante
1st dorsal fin
very high and
strongly falcate
head hammer-like in
shape, with eyes on
sides of hammer-like posterior margin of
SPHYRNIDAE
projections pelvic fins deeply concave
anterior margin of
head straight, with a
strong notch in the
middle
Underside of head
28
CITES
SPK App. II
2nd dorsal fin high,
free rear tip of 1st
with a short free
dorsal fin far ahead of
rear tip
pelvicfin origins
posterior margin
of anal fin deeply
concave
Size
Colour: upper body Max.: 610 cm TL
grey or grey-brown, Mat.: 234269 cm TL,
paler below; fins with 250300 cm TL
dusky tips in young. Birth: 5070 cm TL
Photo: Ramn Bonfil
80 m
 Similar species
Sphyrna lewini See also page 26
anterior margin of
2nd dorsal fin low, with free head nearly convex
1st dorsal fin lower
rear tip almost reaching
and not strongly
caudalfin origin
falcate

Size posterior margin of pelvic

Max.: 420 cm TL fins nearly straight Underside of head

Sphyrna zygaena CITES

App. II
1st dorsal fin lower,
with narrowly anterior margin of head convex,
rounded tip 2nd dorsal fin low
without a notch in the middle

posterior margin of pelvic

Size fins slightly concave
Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna tudes See also page 32

Free rear tip of 1st lateral head
dorsal fin over or behind expansions wider
pelvicfin origins

Size
smaller
Size posterior margin of anal
Underside of head
Max.: 150 cm TL fin nearly straight
29
 Sphyrna tiburo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bonnethead Requin-marteau tiburo
Cornuda tiburo
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
well behind pectoralfin
insertion
head shovel-like in
shape, with eyes on
SPHYRNIDAE
sides of shovel-like
projections
Underside of head
30
SPJ
Posterior margin
of 2nd dorsal fin
deeply concave
Posterior margin
of anal fin nearly
posterior margin of
straight
pelvic fins nearly straight
Colour: upper body Size
grey or grey-brown, Max.: 150 cm TL
light below, often Mat.: 5275 cm TL,
with small dark spots 84 cm TL
on sides of body. Birth: 3540 cm TL
Photo: Ramn Bonfil
80 m
Similar species
Sphyrna tudes See also page 32 anterior margin of
Origin of 1st dorsal fin head deeply notched
just behind pectoralfin in the middle
insertion

lateral head
expansions
Size mallet-like
Max.: 150 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna media anterior margin

Origin of 1st dorsal fin of head shallowly
just behind pectoralfin notched or not
insertion notched in the middle

lateral head
Size posterior margin of pelvic expansions
Max.: 150 cm TL fins slightly concave mallet-like Underside of head

Sphyrna lewini See also page 26

head anterior margin of
2nd dorsal fin lower, with hammer-like head deeply notched
longer free rear tip in shape in the middle

Size
larger head
posterior margin of anal expansions
Size fin deeply notched narrower
Max.: 420 cm TL Underside of head 31
 Sphyrna tudes (Valenciennes, 1822)
Smalleye hammerhead SPQ
Requin-marteau petits yeux Cornuda ojichica
origin of 1st dorsal fin free rear tip of 1st
just behind pectoralfin dorsal fin over or behind
insertion pelvicfin origins

Posterior margin of
SPHYRNIDAE

Anterior margin anal fin nearly straight

of head deeply
notched in the
middle Head mallet-like in
shape, with eyes on Colour: upper body grey-
sides of mallet-like brown to golden, underside
projections
light; fins without markings.

Preoral length Size

0.25-0.30 of Max.: 150 cm TL
head width Mat.: 110134 cm TL,
120148 cm TL
Underside of head Birth: 30 cm TL

12 m

32
Similar species
Sphyrna media anterior margin
1st dorsalfin of head shallowly
more falcate notched or not
notched in the middle

Preoral length
0.33-0.40 of
head width
Size
Max.: 150 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna tiburo See also page 30 anterior margin of

Origin of 1st dorsal fin head not notched in
well behind pectoralfin the middle
insertion

head
shovel-like
in shape
Size
Underside of head
Max.: 150 cm TL

Sphyrna lewini See also page 26

1st dorsalfin Free rear tip of 2nd head much wider
rear tip far dorsal fin almost and hammer-like
ahead of pelvic touching caudalfin in shape
fin origins origin

Size posterior margin of anal

Max.: 420 cm TL fin deeply notched Underside of head 33
 Galeocerdo cuvier (Peron and LeSueur, 1822)
Tiger shark Requin tigre commun TIG
Tintorera tigre
Spiracle a keel on each side of
behind eye caudal peduncle

snout short and

bluntly rounded,
preoral length
0.71.1 times
CARCHARHINIDAE

internarial width
upper labial Colour: upper body dark
furrows very grey or greyish brown, Size
long, almost underside whitish; Max.: 550 cm TL
reaching eye Mat.: 226290 cm TL
young with dark vertical
Underside of head bars and spots on sides, 250350 cm TL
fading in adults. Birth: 5176 cm TL
Upper and lower
teeth coarsely
serrated, with
large cusplets on
inner base and a
deep notch on the
inside margin
Upper and lower tooth
Photo: NOAA

920 m

34
Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Blue shark Peau bleue BSH
Tiburn azul
1st dorsal fin relatively no ridge on back
small, closer to pelvic between dorsal fins
fins than to pectoral fins

snout long and

narrow weak keel on sides
of caudal peduncle

CARCHARHINIDAE
Colour: dark blue on
top, bright blue on sides Size
(purple blackish after Max.: 383 cm TL
death), underside white. Mat.: 182218 cm TL
Tips of pectoral and anal 166221 cm TL
Underside of head fins dusky. Birth: 3448 cm TL

upper teeth
heavily
serrated, and
triangularly
curved inwards
Upper and lower
tooth
Photo: Ramn Bonfil

980 m
35
 Negaprion brevirostris (Poey, 1868)
Lemon shark Requin citron NGB
Tiburn galano
1st dorsal fin in front 2nd dorsal fin almost as
of pelvic fins large as 1st dorsal fin

snout short and

bluntly rounded,
preoral length
CARCHARHINIDAE

almost equal to
internarial width

Size
Colour: olive grey Max.: 340 cm TL
or yellowish brown, Mat.: 224 cm TL,
but often darker; belly 239 cm TL
Underside of head yellowish or whitish. Birth: 6065 cm TL

upper teeth
serrated and
notched on
both sides

Upper and lower tooth

Photo: K. Bondy

92 m

36
Similar species
Ginglymostoma cirratum See also page 20
1st dorsal fin above
pelvic fins

small mouth with

whiskers, very close to Caudal fin with
the front of the snout Teeth very small or no
very lower lobe
small

Size
Underside of head Upper and lower teeth Max.: 304 cm TL

Carcharhinus acronotus See also page 42

2nd dorsal fin much
Origin of 1st dorsal smaller than 1st dorsal fin
fin over pectoralfin
free rear tip

upper teeth deeply

notched on inner
preoral length side Size smaller
1.4-1.7 times
internarial
space
Size
Underside of head Upper and lower tooth Max.: 200 cm TL
37
 Rhizoprionodon lalandii (Valenciennes, 1839)
Brazilian sharpnose shark Requin aiguille brsilien RHL
Cazn picudo chino
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
Origin of 2nd dorsal fin
above or slightly behind
over analfin midbase
pectoralfin free rear tip

Apex of pectoral fin not reaching 1st

CARCHARHINIDAE

dorsalfin midbase when pectoral fin Base of anal fin with two
is pressed to the side of the body strong preanal ridges
upper labial
furrows Colour: upper body
long and greyish brown, underside Size
noticeable white, pectoral fins with Max.: 77 cm TL
Underside of head white posterior margins, Mat.: 4550 cm TL,
caudal fin with dark 54 cm TL
margins. Birth: 3334 cm TL
teeth small,
strongly
oblique,
and without
serrations

Upper and lower tooth

Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

70 m

38
Similar species
Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40

Upper and lower tooth

larger
maximum size Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing
1st dorsalfin midbase when pectoral
Size fin is pressed to the side of the body
Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
body usually with
white spots
Upper and lower tooth

larger
maximum size Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing
Size 1st dorsalfin midbase when pectoral fin
Max.: 110 cm TL is pressed to the side of the body
Underside of head
Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44
upper teeth strongly
notched in one side,
Origin of 1st dorsal fin Origin of 2nd lightly notched in the
well behind pectoralfin dorsal fin over other, and heavily
rear tip analfin origin serrated
Upper and lower tooth

upper labial
furrows
very small,
Base of anal fin without unnoticeable
Size two strong pre-anal ridges
Max.: 330 cm TL Underside of head 39
 Rhizoprionodon porosus (Poey, 1861)
Caribbean sharpnose shark Requin aiguille antillais RHR
Cazn picudo antillano
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
above or slightly behind Origin of 2nd dorsal fin
pectoralfin free rear tip over analfin midbase

Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing

CARCHARHINIDAE

Base of anal fin with two

1st dorsalfin midbase when pectoral strong preanal ridges
fin is pressed to the side of the body
upper labial
furrows Colour: upper body brown
long and or greyish brown without Size
noticeable Max.: 110 cm TL
light spots, underside
Underside of head whitish, posterior margins of Mat.: 60 cm TL,
pectoral fins white, of dorsal 80 cm TL
and caudal fins blackish. Birth: 3139 cm TL
teeth small,
strongly
oblique,
and without
serrations

Upper and lower tooth

Photo: Uriel Mendoza-Vargas

500 m

40
Similar species
Rhizoprionodon lalandii See also page 38

Upper and lower tooth

Smaller
maximum size Apex of pectoral fin not reaching 1st
dorsalfin midbase when pectoral fin
Size is pressed to the side of the body
Max.: 77 cm TL Underside of head

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
body usually with
white spots
Upper and lower tooth

Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing

Size
Max.: 110 cm TL
Carcharhinus falciformis
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
well behind pectoralfin dorsal fin over
rear tip
1st dorsalfin midbase when pectoral fin
is pressed to the side of the body Underside of head
See also page 44
upper teeth strongly
notched in one side,
Origin of 2nd lightly notched in the
other, and heavily
analfin origin serrated
Upper and lower tooth

upper labial
furrows
very small,
Base of anal fin without unnoticeable
Size two strong preanal ridges
Max.: 330 cm TL Underside of head 41
 Carcharhinus acronotus (Poey, 1860)
Blacknose shark Requin nez noir CCN
Tiburn amarillo
Origin of 1st dorsal fin no ridge on back
over pectoralfin free between dorsal fins
dark spot on tip rear tip
of snout

Preoral length
1.41.7 times
internarial width
CARCHARHINIDAE

Size
Colour: upper body grey, Max.: 200 cm TL
yellowishbrow, or brown; Mat.: 97106 cm TL,
underside whitish; 103 cm TL
Fins not black tipped. Birth: 50 cm TL
Underside of head
upper teeth serrated
and deeply notched on
inner side

Upper and
Photo: NOAA
lower tooth

64 m

42
Similar species
Carcharhinus porosus
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
over pectoralfin inner
margin
See also page 54 upper teeth
strongly serrated,
with oblique cusps

Size Upper and lower tooth

Max.: 134 cm TL

Negaprion brevirostris See also page 36 upper teeth

serrated and
2nd dorsal fin almost as notched on both
large as 1st dorsal fin sides

Upper and lower tooth

Preoral length
almost equal
to internarial
width
Size
Max.: 340 cm TL Underside of head

Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40

teeth not
origin of 2nd dorsal serrated,
fin over analfin with strongly
Upper and lower tooth
midbase oblique cusps

Size
Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head 43
 Carcharhinus falciformis (Muller and Henle, 1839)
Silky shark Requin soyeux FAL
Tiburn jaquetn
1st dorsal fin of moderate 2nd dorsal fin very low,
size, with narrowly to broadly A ridge on back and with very long inner
rounded tip, its origin well between dorsal fins margin and free rear tip
behind pectoralfin rear tip

Preoral length
1.21.6 times
internarial width
Colour: upper body
CARCHARHINIDAE

nearly black to dark grey

or brown grey; lower
body whitish. Pectoral Size
fins blacktipped Max.: 330 cm TL
underneath, pelvic fins Mat.: 215225 cm TL,
Underside of head often dusky but not 232246 cm TL
blacktipped. Birth: 76 cm TL
upper teeth strongly
notched in one side,
lightly notched
in the other, with
heavily serrated
cusps and large
Upper and serrations on bases
lower tooth

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

500 m

44
Similar species upper teeth nearly
Carcharhinus obscurus triangular in shape
and serrated, but
Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin
without coarse
on top or in front of with pointed
serrations on base
pectoralfin rear tip or narrowly
rounded tip Upper and lower tooth

Preoral length
1.01.4 times
internarial width

Size
Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head
Carcharhinus galapagensis
upper teeth nearly
Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin large with triangular in shape
on top of pectoralfin pointed or narrowly and serrated, but
inner margin rounded tip without coarse
serrations on base

Upper and lower tooth

Snout short and

rounded, preoral
length 1.01.3 times
Size internarial width
Max.: 370 cm TL Underside of head
Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40
teeth not
origin of 2nd dorsal serrated, with
fin over analfin strongly oblique
midbase cusps Upper and lower tooth

Size
Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head 45
 Carcharhinus leucas (Valenciennes, 1839)
Bull shark Requin bouledogue CCE
Tiburn sarda
Origin of 1st dorsal fin 2st dorsal fin large
No ridge on back
on top of just behind and triangular, its
between dorsal fins
pectoralfin insertion origin on top or in
front of analfin
origin

Snout very short and

CARCHARHINIDAE

broadly rounded, preoral

length 0.71.0 times
internarial width
Body stocky
Colour: upper body Size
greyish, belly whitish; Max.: 340 cm TL
tips and edges of fins Mat.: 157226 cm TL,
dusky to black in very 180230 cm TL
young individuals. Birth: 5681 cm TL

Underside of head
Teeth heavily
serrated; uppers
broadly triangular,
lowers with poorly
defined bases

Upper and lower tooth

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

152 m

46
Similar species
upper teeth with
Carcharhinus limbatus See also page 48 narrow, straight,
dorsal fins, pectoral fins serrated cusps, and
and lower lobe of caudal coarsely serrated bases
fin, blacktipped Upper and lower tooth

snout long and

narrowly pointed,
preoral length
1.31.7 times
internarial width
Size body not stocky or
Max.: 250 cm TL specially heavy Underside of head

Carcharhinus galapagensis upper teeth

with long, nearly
A ridge on back triangular serrated
between dorsal fins cusps; lower teeth
with narrow straight
cusps and well
defined bases
Upper and lower tooth

Snout short and

rounded, preoral
body not stocky or
length 1.01.3 times
specially heavy
Size internarial width
Max.: 370 cm TL
Underside of head
Carcharhinus plumbeus See also page 52
1st dorsal fin A ridge on back
very large and between dorsal fins
high
Upper and lower tooth

snout broadly
parabolic, preoral
length 0.91.3 times
Size internarial width
Max.: 239 cm TL Underside of head 47
 Carcharhinus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1839)
Blacktip shark Requin bored CCL
Tiburn macuira
Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin relatively
large and falcate, with No ridge on
on top of just behind back between
pectoralfin insertion pointed or narrowly
rounded tip dorsal fins

Snout relatively long

and narrowly pointed,
CARCHARHINIDAE

preoral length 1.31.7

times internarial width Colour: upper body
grey or greybrown, Size
underside white; dorsal Max.: 250 cm TL
fins, pectoral fins, pelvic Mat.: 5572 cm TL,
fins and lower lobe of 120190 cm TL
caudal fin, blacktipped. Birth: 5572 cm TL
Underside of head
upper teeth with
narrow, straight,
serrated cusps, and
coarsely serrated
bases

Upper and
lower tooth Photo: Ramn Bonfil

30 m

48
Similar species
snout long and
Carcharhinus brevipinna narrowly pointed,
preoral length
1st dorsal fin relatively 1.51.8 times
small, its origin over internarial width
pectoralfin rear tips
Underside of head

upper and lower

teeth with fine
serrations and
very similar in
Anal fin blacktipped size and shape
Size
Max.: 278 cm TL Upper and lower tooth

Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44 Snout shorter,

Origin of 1st dorsal preoral length
a ridge on 2nd dorsal fin very 1.21.6 times
fin well behind back between low, and with very
pectoralfin rear tip internarial width
dorsal fins long inner margin
and free rear tip
Underside of head

upper teeth
strongly
notched in
dorsal fins, pelvic fins one side
Size and lower lobe of caudal
Max.: 330 cm TL fin without black tips Upper and lower tooth
Carcharhinus perezi See also page 50 snout short and
Origin of 1st dorsal fin rounded, preoral
over or slightly anterior a ridge on back length 1.01.1 times
to pectoralfin free between dorsal fins internarial width
rear tip
Underside of head
upper teeth
serrated and
notched on
Size both sides
Max.: 295 cm TL Upper and lower tooth 49
 Carcharhinus perezi (Poey, 1876)
Caribbean reef shark Requin de rcif CCV
Tiburn coralino
Origin of 1st 1st dorsal fin A ridge on
dorsal fin over or moderately high back between
slightly anterior and falcate dorsal fins
to pectoralfin
free rear tip

snout short and

rounded, preoral
CARCHARHINIDAE

length 1.01.1 times

internarial width Colour: upper body
dark grey or grey Size
brown, white below; Max.: 295 cm TL
undersides of paired Mat.: 152168 cm TL,
fins, anal and ventral 200295 cm TL
caudalfin lobe dusky. Birth: 7073 cm TL
Underside of head
upper teeth
serrated and
notched on both
sides
Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: Brian Gratwicke - Flickr

30 m

50
Similar species
Carcharhinus plumbeus See also page 52 Upper teeth
1st dorsal fin A low ridge on back broadly triangular
very large and between dorsal fins and serrated
high
Upper and lower tooth

snout broadly
parabolic, preoral
length 0.91.3 times
Origin of 1st dorsal
Size internarial width
fin over pectoralfin
Max.: 239 cm TL insertion Underside of head
Carcharhinus galapagensis
1st dorsal fin higher, upper
A ridge on back
its origin on top of teeth nearly
between dorsal fins
pectoralfin inner triangular
margin in shape and
serrated
Upper and lower tooth

Snout longer and

rounded, preoral
body not stocky or length 1.01.3 times
Size specially heavy internarial width
Max.: 370 cm TL Underside of head
Carcharhinus leucas See also page 46 upper teeth
No ridge on back large, broadly
between dorsal fins triangular, and
heavily serrated

Upper and lower tooth

Snout very short
and broadly
rounded, preoral
length 0.71.0 times
Size Body stocky internarial width
Max.: 340 cm TL Underside of head 51
 Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827)
Sandbar shark Requin gris CCP
Tiburn trozo
Origin of 1st dorsal 1st dorsal fin a low ridge on
fin over pectoralfin very large, fin back between
insertion height about 1/2 dorsal fins
predorsal space

snout broadly
CARCHARHINIDAE

pectoral fins Body stocky

parabolic, preoral
length 0.91.3 times
internarial width
large
Colour: upper body grey Size
to greybrown, underside Max.: 239 cm TL
white; posterior edges of Mat.: 131178 cm TL,
fins often dusky; a faint 144183 cm TL
white band on flank. Birth: 5675 cm TL

Underside of head
upper teeth broad,
high, triangular
and serrated

Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: Ramn Bonfil

280 m

52
Similar species
Carcharhinus altimus
1st dorsal fin not as large,
fin height much less than
1/2 predorsal space
Size
Max.: 300 cm TL
Carcharhinus obscurus
1st dorsal fin much
smaller, fin height
much less than 1/2
predorsal space
Size
Max.: 400 cm TL
Carcharhinus leucas
1st dorsal fin much
smaller, fin height
much less than 1/2
predorsal space
Size
Max.: 340 cm TL
upper teeth
with longer
A high ridge on back blades
between dorsal fins
Upper and lower tooth
Snout long and
rounded, preoral
length 1.31.4 times
internarial width
Underside of head
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
on top or in front of
pectoralfin rear tips
Upper and lower tooth
Snout broadly
rounded, preoral
length 1.01.4 times
internarial width
Underside of head
See also page 46
No ridge on back
between dorsal fins
Upper and lower tooth
Snout very short and
broadly rounded,
preoral length 0.7
1.0 times internarial
width
stocky body
Underside of head 53
 Carcharhinus porosus (Ranzani, 1839)
Smalltail shark Requin tiqueue CCR
Tiburn poroso
Origin of 1st dorsal fin over No ridge on back Origin of 2nd dorsal fin
pectoralfin inner margin between dorsal over or slightly behind
fins analfin midbase

snout long and

moderately pointed,
Base of anal fin without
CARCHARHINIDAE

preoral length 1.21.8

two long preanal ridges
times internarial width

Colour: upper body Size

grey, underside light; tips Max.: 134 cm TL
of pectoral, dorsal and Mat.: 7278 cm TL,
labial caudal fins frequently 84 cm TL
furrows not
noticeable
dusky or blackish. Birth: 3140 cm TL
Underside of head
upper teeth
strongly
serrated, with a
strongly oblique
cusp

Upper and lower tooth Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

36 m

54
Similar species
Carcharhinus acronotus See also page 42
Origin of 1st dorsal
fin over pectoralfin
free rear tip
dark spot on tip
of snout

upper teeth higher,

with erect blades deeply
notched on inner side

Size
Underside of head Upper and lower tooth Max.: 200 cm TL

Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40

Origin of 1st dorsal fin over or
behind pectoralfin free rear tip

upper and
lower teeth
small, strongly
upper labial oblique,
furrows long and and without
noticeable serrations

Base of anal fin Upper and lower tooth

with two strong
preanal ridges Size
Underside of head Max.: 110 cm TL 55
 Carcharhinus signatus (Poey, 1868)
Night shark Requin de nuit CCS
Tiburn nocturno
1st dorsal fin relatively small, a ridge on back
origin over or just behind between dorsal fins
pectoralfin free rear tip
CARCHARHINIDAE

snout very long Size

and narrowly
Colour: upper body
dark grey, greyish Max.: 280 cm TL
rounded,
preoral length brown, or bluish black Mat.: 160190 cm TL,
1.71.9 times (in life); underside 159194 cm TL
internarial greyish or white. Birth: 6072 cm TL
width
Underside of head
upper teeth
with large
oblique cusp
and strong
cusplets on the
base
Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramn Bonfil

600 m

56
 Similar species
Carcharhinus falciformis
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
well behind pectoralfin
rear tip
Size
Max.: 330 cm TL
Carcharhinus obscurus
Origin of 1st dorsal fin
on top or in front of
pectoralfin rear tip
Size
Max.: 400 cm TL
Rhizoprionodon porosus
Origin of 2nd dorsal
fin over anal fin
midbase
Size
Max.: 110 cm TL
upper teeth strongly
notched in one side,
See also page 44 lightly notched in the
other, with heavily
serrated cusps and large
serrations on bases
Upper and lower tooth
Snout shorter,
preoral length
1.21.6 times
internarial width
Underside of head
upper teeth
nearly triangular
in shape and
serrated
Upper and lower tooth
Snout shorter,
preoral length
1.01.4 times
internarial width
Underside of head
See also page 40
teeth not
serrated, with
strongly oblique
cusps Upper and lower tooth
Snout
shorter and
broader
Underside of head 57
 Carcharhinus longimanus (Poey, 1861)
Oceanic whitetip shark Requin ocanique CITES
OCS App. II
Tiburn ocenico
1st dorsal fin very large, a low ridge on Black spots,
broadly rounded, with back between all fading in
white blotches on tip dorsal fins adults

lower lobe of
caudal fin often
snout short, with white
broadly rounded blotch
preoral length pectoral fins very long,
CARCHARHINIDAE

1.0 to 1.1 times 1929% of TL, broad and

internarial width broadly rounded, with
Size
white blotches on tips
Max.: 395 cm TL
Colour: upper body Mat.: 175198 cm TL,
dark grey to brown, 180200 cm TL
underside whitish. Birth: 6065 cm TL

Underside of head
upper
teeth large,
triangular
and coarsely
serrated

Upper and
lower tooth
Photo: NOAA

1082 m
58
Squatina dumeril Lesueur, 1818
Sand devil Ange de mer de sable SUD
Tiburn ngel
gill slits on the side behind
head not fused
head, not on the underside
with pectoral fins
back without dark
spots, rings or
markings

SQUATINIDAE
body flattened
like a ray Size
mouth all the Max.: 152 cm TL
way in front of Colour: upper body bluish Mat.: 93 cm TL,
the head grey or ashy grey when 86 cm TL
fresh; underside white. Birth: 2530 cm TL

Frontal view of head

Photo: NOAA

1290 m
59
 Pristis pectinata Latham, 1794
Smalltooth sawfish Poisson-scie tident CITES
RPP App. I
Pejepeine

Snout with a long, flat, relatively Origin of 1st dorsal fin

narrow rostrum surrounded by above pelvicfin origins
large teeth on both sides

Caudal fin with no

20-30 teeth on each lower lobe, or weakly
side of rostrum developed lower lobe
PRISTIDAE

Size
Max.: 550 cm TL
Colour: upper body greyish brown, Mat.: 370 cm TL,
olive-brown or blackish brown; ventral 415 cm TL
surface white to greyish white. Birth: 6984 cm TL

Photo: Ramn Bonfil

88 m

60
Pristis pristis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common sawfish Poissonscie commun CITES
RPR App. I
Pez sierra comn

Snout with a long, flat, relatively Origin of 1st dorsal fin

wide rostrum surrounded by large well in front pelvicfin
teeth on both sides origins

Caudal fin with with a

developed lower lobe
14-23 teeth on each
side of rostrum
Size

PRISTIDAE
Max.: 700 cm TL
Colour: upper body uniformily Mat.: 280300 cm TL,
brownish, underside uniformily 300 cm TL
whitish. Birth: 7380 cm TL

Photo: Dean Thorburn

26 m

61
 Rhinobatos percellens (Walbaum, 1792)
Chola guitarfish Poissonguitare chola GUD
Guitarra chola
Pectoral fins fused
to head into a
wedgeshaped Tail sharklike
structure

Upper body coloration usually with

RHINOBATIDAE

whitish spots about equal to eye diameter

Colour: upper body olive grey
rostral cartilage not to brown or reddish, with darker Size
expanded near tip
brown blotches occasionally Max.: 100 cm TL
present, and cream coloured Mat.: 55 cm TL,
spots about equal to eye diameter; 58 cm TL
underside pale yellowish. Birth: 20 cm TL

Dorsal view of head

Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

110 m

62
Similar species enlarged tubercles on
Rhinobatos lentiginosus dorsal side of snout
(except small juveniles)
rostral cartilage
expanded near tip and
spatula-shaped

Dorsal surface ash-grey to

Size chocolate brown, with numerous
Max.: 76 cm TL very small white spots Dorsal view of head

Pristis pectinata See also page 60

Snout with a long, flat, relatively
narrow rostrum surrounded by
large teeth on both sides

20-30 teeth on each

side of rostrum
Size
Max.: 550 cm TL

Pristis pristis See also page 61

Snout with a long, flat, wide
rostrum surrounded by large
teeth on both sides

14-23 teeth on each

side of rostrum
Size
Max.: 700 cm TL 63
 Dasyatis americana Hildebrand and Schroeder, 1928
Southern stingray Pastenague amricaine RDA
Raya ltigo americana
snout not forming Anterior margin
a small triangular of disc angular
Colour: upper body light
protuberance preorbital length brown, grey, or olive, with
between 1 and pale spot on midline of
2 times distance snout in front of eyes.
between eyes Underside white with
grey or brown margins.
Outer
corners of
Size
disc narrowly Max.: 150 cm DW
rounded Mat.: 51 cm DW,
7580 cm DW
Disc Birth: 1718 cm DW
DASYATIDAE

rhomboidal
in shape

Pelvic fins not

laterally expanded,
Tail without about as wide as
noticeable long
tubercles or
thorns
Lateral view
of tail
longitudinal fin-fold under tail
about as deep as height of tail Photo: D. Ross Robertson

53 m

64
 Similar species
Dasyatis guttata See also page 66 Dasyatis centroura
snout forming a
small triangular
protuberance

Lateral view
of tail
broad patch of
blunt tubercles on
back, from eyes to Tail with
tail (larger juveniles longitudinal noticeable
and adults) fin-fold under tail tubercles or
about half as deep thorns
as height of tail
Size Size
Max.: 200 cm DW Max.: 210 cm DW

Dasyatis geijskesi
preorbital length
snout long more than 4 times
and narrowly distance between eyes
pointed

Outer corners
of disc broadly
rounded

Pelvic fins greatly

Size expanded laterally, more
Max.: 150 cm DW than twice as wide as long
65
 Dasyatis guttata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)
Longnose stingray Pastenague longnez RDU
Raya-ltigo hocicona
snout forming a
Anterior margin
small triangular
of disc angular
protuberance
preorbital length
between 1 and
2 times distance Colour: upper body grey,
between eyes
brown, or olive, either
Outer uniform or with dark spots;
corners of underside whitish; keel and
disc narrowly ridge of tail black.
rounded
Size
DASYATIDAE

Disc rhomboidal Max.: 200 cm DW

in shape Mat.: 4146 cm DW,
5055 cm DW
broad patch of Birth: 1215 cm DW
blunt tubercles on
back, from eyes to
tail (larger juveniles
Tail without and adults)
noticeable
tubercles or
thorns

Lateral view
of tail
longitudinal fin-fold under tail Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc
about as deep as height of tail

36 m

66
 Similar species
Dasyatis say Himantura schmardae
Anterior margin Dorsal surface Anterior margin of
Preorbital length of disc broadly uniformly covered disc nearly straight or
shorter than angular with numerous small evenly convex
distance between tubercles
spiracles

Outor corners
of disc broadly Underside of tail
rounded with a very low
and indistinct keel

Size Size
Max.: 100 cm DW Max.: 120 cm DW

Pteroplatytrygon violacea Anterior margin of

disc evenly convex

Dorsal surface
nearly naked

Underside of tail with

a high fin-fold, usually
Size
taller than tail
Max.: 80 cm DW
67
 Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790)
Spotted eagle ray Aigle de mer leopard MAE
Chucho pintado
A narrowly parabolic
Disc rhomboidal or subrostral lobe in
diamond-shaped front of head
Colour: upper body grey to
brown, with variable whitish
spots (rounded, elliptical, or
annular); underside white.

Size
Max.: 230 cm DW
Mat.: 100-115 cm DW,
MYLIOBATIDAE

A small dorsal 150160 cm DW

fin between the Birth: 1836 cm DW
pelvic fins

Head elevated
from disc

Dental plate with

a single series of
large teeth

Eyes and spiracles Lateral view

on sides of head of head
Photo: D. Ross Robertson
Teeth

60 m

68
 Similar species
Myliobatis freminvillii Myliobatis goodei See also page 70
Sub-rostral Upper body not covered Sub-rostral
lobe broadly with noticeable whitish lobe broadly
parabolic spots, rings or irregular arched and
blotches; at most a few short
diffuse small spots

Upper body
uniformly chocolate
Dorsal fin close brown to greyish,
behind the not covered with
posterior margins whitish spots, rings
of pelvic fins or irregular blotches

Dental plate with Dental plate with

more than 1, usually more than 1, usually
7 rows of teeth 7 rows of teeth
Size Size Teeth
Max.: 86 cm DW Teeth Max.: 99 cm DW
Gymnura micrura
Head not elevated and
Disc extremely differentiated from disc
wide, at least Eyes and
1.5 times wider spiracles on
than long dorsal side

Tail without
Size any serrated An extremely
Max.: 120 cm DW spines small tail
69
 Myliobatis goodei Garman, 1885
Southern eagle ray MYO
Raya guila chata
Disc rhomboidal or A subrostral lobe,
diamond-shaped broadly arched and
short, in front of head
Colour: upper body uniformly
chocolate brown to greyish,
without spots; underside
brownish white with dusky
edges on disc.
Size
Max.: 99 cm DW
Mat.: 45 cm DW,
MYLIOBATIDAE

N/A
A small dorsal Birth: N/A
fin far behind the
posterior margins
pelvic fins
Head elevated Dental plate
from disc with more than
1, usually 7 rows
of teeth

Eyes and spiracles Lateral view

on sides of head of head
Teeth Photo: www.boldystems.org

N/A

70
 Similar species
Myliobatis freminvillii Aetobatus narinari See also page 68
Sub-rostral lobe Sub-rostral lobe Upper body
longer and broadly Upper body light
brown and covered longer and broadly covered with white
parabolic parabolic spots, rings or
with faint small spots
irregular-shaped
blotches

Dorsal fin Dorsal fin A single series

close behind between the of large teeth
the posterior pelvic fins in each jaw
margins of pelvic
fins

Size Size
Max.: 86 cm DW Teeth Max.: 230 cm DW Teeth

Gymnura micrura
Head not elevated and
Disc extremely differentiated from disc
wide, at least Eyes and
1.5 times wider spiracles on
than long dorsal side

Tail without
any serrated An extremely
Size
spines small tail
Max.: 120 cm DW
71
 Rhinoptera bonasus (Mitchill, 1815)
Cownose ray Mourine amricaine MRB
Mancha
Head elevated
A short sub-rostral from disc
lobe deeply divide in Eyes and
two, in front of head spiracles on
sides of head

Colour: dorsal surface

uniformly olive-brown to
yellowish-brown; underside
white to yellowish.
Size
RHINOPTERIDAE

Max.: 107 cm DW
Disc Mat.: 6470 cm DW,
rhomboidal 7585 cm DW
or diamond- Birth: 2540 cm DW
shaped
A small dorsal
fin between
pelvic fins

Dental plate with 6-8,

usually 7 rows of teeth,
and only one central
row of wider teeth
Teeth
Photo: George Burgess

22 m

72
 Similar species
Rhinoptera brasiliensis Myliobatis goodei See also page 70
Sub-rostral lobe
broadly arched
and short, not
divided in two

Dorsal fin
far behind
Dental plate with 810, the posterior
usually 9 rows of teeth, margins of
including 3 rows of pelvic fins
wider central teeth

Size Size
Teeth
Max.: 102 cm DW Max.: 99 cm DW

Myliobatis freminvilii
Sub-rostral lobe
narrowly parabolic,
not divided in two
Upper body
covered with faint
small light spots

Dorsal fin behind the

posterior margins of
Size pelvic fins Teeth
Max.: 86 cm DW
73
 Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792)
Giant manta Mante gante CITES
RMB App. II
Manta gigante
Head broad, more
Colour: upper body
than 17% of disc
Disc rhomboidal or width, with two black to charcoal grey;
diamond-shaped, cephalic fins on white shoulder patches;
2.22.3 times as the sides V-shaped patch in front
wide as long on dorsal fin; white edges
on pectoral fin tips.
Underside white, with
wide dusky bands on
posterior edge of pectoral
fins.
A small spine Size
MOBULIDAE

inside a cartilage Max.: 700 cm DW

capsule, behind A small dorsal Mat.: 380 cm DW,
dorsal fin fin before 413 cm DW
pelvicfin Birth: 100 cm DW
Whip-like origins
tail
Mouth in front
of head

Underside of head
Photo: Jon Hanson - Flickr

1000 m
74
 Similar species
Mobula hypostoma

Preoral length less

than 4.0 % of disc Head narrower,
width less than 17% of
disc width
Disc narrower, Upper body
1.7-2.0 times as without white
wide as long patches

Mouth not reaching

front of head

One or two
dusky bands on
Size much back just behind
smaller anterior margin
of head No spine behind
Size dorsal fin
Max.: 120 cm TL Underside of head
Mobula tarapacana
Head narrower,
Preoral length equal less than 17% of
or more than 5.0 % disc width
of disc width
No dusky bands on
Disc narrower, back just behind
1.51.75 times as anterior margin of
wide as long head

Upper body
without white Mouth not reaching
patches front of head

Size smaller

Size No spine behind

Max.: 305 cm TL dorsal fin
Underside of head 75
 SHARK SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE
Order Family HEXANCHIDAE
HEXANCHIFORMES Hexanchus griseus - Bluntnose sixgill shark Pag. 10

Family SQUALIDAE
Order
Squalus cubensis - Cuban dogfish Pag. 12
SQUALIFORMES Squalus mitsukurii - Shortspine spurdog Pag. 13

Family ALOPIIDAE
Alopias superciliosus - Bigeye thresher Pag. 14
Alopias vulpinus - Thresher Pag. 15
Order
Family LAMNIDAE
LAMNIFORMES Carcharodon carcharias - Great white shark Pag. 16
Isurus oxyrinchus - Shorfin mako Pag. 18
Isurus paucus - Longfin mako Pag. 19

Family GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE
Order Ginglymostoma cirratum - Nurse shark Pag. 20
Pag.
ORECTOLOBIFORMES Family RHINCODONTIDAE
Rhincodon typus - Whale shark Pag. 21

Family TRIAKIDAE
Mustelus canis - Dusky smooth-hound Pag. 22
Mustelus higmani - Smalleye smooth-hound Pag. 24
Family SPHYRNIDAE
Sphyrna lewini - Scalloped hammerhead Pag. 26
Order Sphyrna mokarran - Great hammerhead Pag. 28
CARCHARHINIFORMES Sphyrna tiburo - Bonnethead Pag. 30
Sphyrna tudes - Smalleye hammerhead Pag. 32
Family CARCHARHINIDAE
Galeocerdo cuvier - Tiger shark Pag. 34
Prionace glauca - Blue shark Pag. 35
Negaprion brevirostris - Lemon shark Pag. 36
76
 Rhizoprionodon lalandii - Brazilian sharpnose Pag. 38
Rhizoprionodon porosus - Caribbean sharpnose Pag. 40
Carcharhinus acronotus - Blacknose shark Pag. 42
Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark Pag. 44
Carcharhinus leucas - Bull shark Pag. 46
Order Carcharhinus limbatus - Blacktip shark Pag. 48
CARCHARHINIFORMES Carcharhinus perezi - Caribbean reef shark Pag. 50
Carcharhinus plumbeus - Sandbar shark Pag. 52
Carcharhinus porosus - Smalltail shark Pag. 54
Carcharhinus signatus - Oceanic whitetip shark Pag. 56
Carcharhinus longimanus - Blacktip shark Pag. 58

Order Family SQUATINIDAE

SQUATINIFORMES Squatina dumeril - Sand devil Pag. 59

RAY SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE

Family PRISTIDAE
Order
Pristis pectinata - Smalltooth sawfish Pag. 60
PRISTIFORMES Pristis pristis - Common sawfish Pag. 61

Order Family RHINOBATIDAE

RHINOBATIFORMES Rhinobatos percellens - Chola guitarfish Pag. 62
Family DASYATIDAE
Dasyatis americana - Southern stingray Pag. 64
Dasyatis guttata - Longnose stingray Pag. 66
Family MYLIOBATIDAE
Order Aetobatus narinari - Spotted eagle ray Pag. 68
MYLIOBATIFORMES Myliobatis goodei - Southern eagle ray Pag. 70
Family RHINOPTERIDAE
Rhinoptera bonasus - Cownose ray Pag. 72
Family MOBULIDAE
Manta birostris - Giant manta Pag. 74
77
 This identification guide includes a selection of shark and ray
species occurring in the Wider Caribbean Region, that is the
waters of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the waters of
the Atlantic Ocean adjacent thereto. In total, 41 shark and 20 ray
species are included. These species were selected because of their
relevance to commercial fisheries or vulnerability to exploitation
due to their life history characteristics. Of these, 29 shark and 9
ray species are presented in a full species card and depicted with
a colour illustration and photo. Short accounts of 12 shark and
11 ray species that are less common in the region and could be
misidentified with more common species, are also included.

This guide is intended to help fishery workers collecting catch data

in the field in the identification of the sharks and rays they might
encounter for the specific purpose of improving the quality of
catch and landings data. The guide is expected to be useful also for
fisheries inspectors, observers and enforcement officers of the navy,
coastguard and customs.

ISBN 978-92-5-109245-3

9 7 8 9 2 5 1 0 9 2 4 5 3
I5691E/1/05.16