Sandbar Shark: Carcharhinus plumbeus

Appearance:

• Snout broadly rounded and short
• First dorsal fin triangular and very high
• Poorly developed dermal ridge between dorsal fins
• Brown or gray in color with white underside
• Upper and lower teeth finely serrated

Habitat:

Sandbar sharks are a nearshore fish typically found at depths ranging from 60 to 200 feet.

Behavior:

These sharks are both predators and scavengers.  Feeding occurs chiefly near the bottom on fish and shellfish.  Sandbar sharks migrate long distances and they mature at about 6 feet in length.

State Record:

This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

Sandbar sharks are similar in appearance to the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus; and the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas.

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles