The Whitenose shark (Nasolamia velox) is a species of shark in the family Carcharhinidae. The only member of its genus. It is found in the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean between latitudes 31° N and 18° S, between depths of 49 to 630 feet. The Whitenose shark gets its name from the prominent black spot in the tip of its long conical snout that is outlined in white.
Family: Carcharhinidae – Requiem sharks
Genus: Nasolamia
Species: velox
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Carcharhinidae
Common Name– Requiem Sharks
Genus– Nasolamia
Species– velox
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: The Whitenose shark is born around 1.7 feet. Mature males and females are around 3.7 feet, and the maximum recorded was at least 4.9 feet.
Head: The Whitenose shark has a long, conical snout. It has very large, round eyes. Its nostrils are close-set (separated by a space only slightly greater than the nostril width) and large. It has a prominent black spot outlined in white o the upper tip of the snout.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Whitenose shark can be found in the tropical east Pacific and also Central America from Mexico to Peru and Baja California (between latitudes 31° N and 18° S). It can be found over the continental shelf, inshore and offshore. It prefers waters between 49 and 79 feet or less and on occasion to 630 feet.
Diet: It prefers small bony fish and crabs.
Aesthetic Identification: The Whitenose shark is slender, grey-brown to light-brown.
Biology and Reproduction: The Whitenose shark is viviparous, and has 5 pups per litter.
Whitenose Shark Future and Conservation: It is taken on longlines for fishmeal and food.
Whitenose Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: It is not a threat to humans.