Small Black-tipped Shark 245 



Distribution: The western Atlantic from southern Brazil to 

 North Carolina, and as a stray north to New York. 

 Size: Maximum size probably more than 10 feet. A 10- 

 foot specimen weighs about 400 pounds. 

 General Information: A slow-swimming species most fre- 

 quently found in shoal, inshore waters. Feeds on crabs, 

 fish, and any animal refuse. Matures at about 7 feet. Birth 

 probably occurs in late winter and early spring. From 

 5 to 6 young are born at one time. 



Economic Importance: Common in the catch of the com- 

 mercial shark fishery in Florida. 



Small Black-tipped Shark, Spot-fin Ground Shark 

 Carcharhinus limbatus (Muller and Henle) 



Color: Grayish brown, brayish blue, or dark gray on upper 

 parts of body. Lower part of body white or yellow-white. 

 Pectoral fins tipped with black. 



Distribution: Possibly world-wide in tropical and sub- 

 tropical waters. In the western Atlantic found from south- 

 ern Brazil to North Carolina, and as a stray off the coasts 

 of New York and southern New England. 

 Size': Maximum length probably 3 feet. A 5 V^ -foot speci- 

 men weighed slightly over 68 pounds. 



General Information: Found both near the shore and off- 

 shore. An active, fast-swimming shark, often appearing in 

 schools at the surface of the water. When surfaced it fre- 

 quently will leap clear of the water. Fish appears to be 

 principal food. In Florida waters young are born in spring. 

 From 3 to 6 are produced at one time, and they are about 

 2 feet long at birth. 



