The Pacific Sharpnose shark, (Rhizoprionodon longurio) migrates along the Pacific coast of Mexico. They are most commonly caught in the artisanal fishery of Mazatlán. They are a smaller species.
Family: Carcharhinidae – Requiem sharks
Genus: Rhizoprionodon
Species: longurio
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Common Name– Requiem Sharks
Genus– Rhizoprionodon
Species– longurio
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Pacific Sharpnose shark females do grow larger than males. On average species have been recorded from 3.4 feet to 3.5 feet, with a maximum recorded length of 4.2 feet.
Head: The Pacific Sharpnose shark has a long snout with wide-spaced nostrils and very large eyes.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Pacific Sharpnose shark can be found in the coastal waters of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. They can be found from southern California to all the way to Peru. It is littoral on the continental shelf. It can be found in the intertidal zone down to at least 89 feet. The Pacific Sharpnose shark prefers muddy bottom areas, however it is not known whether it utilizes coastal lagoons as nursery areas or if it utilizes only open waters.
During the winter to spring, the Pacific Sharpnose shark has movements of the population from southern Isla Tiburón in the central Gulf of California to the southern region of the state of Nayarit along the eastern shore of the Gulf. From the summer to autumn period, the species moves in the opposite direction, either through the central axis of the Gulf of California or along the Sonora coast line until reaching its place of origin.
Diet: Based on data from stomach contents, they mainly eat crustaceans and fish.
Aesthetic Identification: The Pacific Sharpnose shark is grey, or grey-brown on top, and counter-shaded white below. It is the only eastern Pacific shark with long labial furrows. Its pectoral fins have light edges, and the dorsal fins dusky at the tips.
Biology and Reproduction: Research suggests viviparous. The reproductive season goes from March to June with a peak in April. It is estimated that the gestation period of Pacific Sharpnose is 10-12 months.
Pacific Sharpnose Shark Future and Conservation: It is fished commercially in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico from the Gulf of California to Puerto Madero, Chiapas. It is heavily fished, but an abundant species.
Pacific Sharpnose Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.