Field Key to Sharks of North Carolina and Adjacent Waters

Florida Program for Shark Research

Education Selections... South Florida Aquatic Environments About the Different Groups of Fishes About the Anatomy of Fish and Sharks How Fish and Sharks Swim About Fish Adaptations About the Endangered Species Act How to Become a Biologist About Careers In Ichthyology Most Commonly Asked Shark Questions Most Commonly Asked Sawfish Questions Most Commonly Asked Ray and Skate Questions Most Commonly Asked Fish Questions Identification Key to Freshwater Fishes of Peninsular Florida Field Key to Sharks Skates of the Western Gulf of Maine Project Shark Awareness - A Public Outreach Educational Program Shark Fishing in U.S. Territorial Waters Most Commonly Asked Sawfish Questions Sawfish In Peril - PowerPoint file Sawfish Informational Brochure - Acrobat file Sawfish Outreach Boat Ramp/Marina Sign - Acrobat file Sawfish In The News Sawfish References Sawfish Links Smalltooth Sawfish species profile Largetooth Sawfish species profile Green Sawfish species profile Freshwater Sawfish species profile Dwarf Sawfish species profile Knifetooth Sawfish species profile Chondrichthyes Bibliography Search Freshwater Fishes of Florida References General Fish References Shark References Sawfish References Childrens' Shark Books Stingray Reproduction References Biological Profiles Glossary of Terms Shark Games: Test Your Knowlege! 2003 Open House Photos Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Biological Profile Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) illustration ©FAO courtesy Species Identification and Biodata Distinguishing Characteristics 1. First, second dorsal fins, pectoral fins, and lower lobe of caudal fin black-tipped (black markings may fade in adults; may be indistinct in juveniles) 2. Anal fin is white 3. First dorsal fin has a short free rear tip 4. The first dorsal fin originates slightly over or behind insertion point of pectoral fins along inner margin 5. The second dorsal fin originates over or slightly in front of the anal fin origin Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Specimen © George Burgess Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Specimen: Head © George Burgess Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Specimen: Ventral view of head © George Burgess Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Specimen: Fin placement © David Snyder Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Underwater © David Snyder Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Underwater © Doug Perrine