Carcharodon carcharias, the Great White Shark
By Bloody Bill

I would like to send this one out to the Artz family. We’re all beachside residents, and one of ours has recently suffered a great loss. Our heart goes out to ya’ll. Lisa Artz will definitely be missed.

Though this article is from my pen, it’s not a “true” Bloody Bill article, by which I mean that the circumstances under which it was written were pretty weird. Sightings of this creature have increased of late, and a spearfisherman’s video of one has surfaced from offshore Sebastian Inlet. (We know were you were and what you were using. Bet you were crapping you pants on this one, right? Don’t try to fool us. Very cool video, though.)

I’ve been asked many questions about this species. Yes, they are here — or usually here. And no, it is not a weird thing to see them. We have sharks around here, readers. Lots of them — and lots you don’t expect to see. I’ve seen them, Scott has seen them (or at least known about them), and the offshore guys have seen them. In our waters there are and always have been Carcharodon carcharias, great white sharks.

My vessel caught a great white once (and surprised the hell outta me when we did). I learned through fishermen and scientists that people see them roughly about seven times a year (this could be more or less, though) in our waters. This shark has caused fear and mayhem due to a great book (and film) the writer said he’d never thought would grow to this magnitude. Great story, unfounded behavior…
The great white shark is a large species, with a maximum reported size of 22.3 feet, officially. I’ve heard reports of them growing to more than 27 feet in length. They are often a bluish gray to brownish color above and a lighter shade of white below. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a conical snout and cylindrical body with large jaws and very pointed teeth with distinctive serrations. Upon first glance, many people may misidentify this shark as being a mako, and although they are similar in appearance, they are entirely different creatures.

Great whites have relatively large black eyes, small gill slits, and tail fins with a very distinctive shape. This shark is usually found in the open ocean, as well as off seamounts and upper slopes of the outer continental shelves between the latitudes from Maine to the southern tip of South America throughout the world. They are found pretty much everywhere, with reports from Alaska down to the equator. Great whites are considered to be a relatively worldwide species of shark according to offshore commercial fishermen, and evidence suggests that they are found in areas that still make me shake my head.

They are mostly found offshore and considered true epipelagic, meaning they are mostly found in the open waters in the upper third of the water column. However, from the reports I’ve received, the Gulf Stream seems to be the preferred habitat around here. It is considered one of the fastest sharks in the ocean, and often reaches speeds of up to 20 mph. Like many other in the order Lamniformes, they’re able to regulate the temperature of their internal organs, even though they are cold-blooded animals. Food habits suggest that the great white shark feeds on many species of fast swimming fishes such as tuna and bluefish during its younger years, and then switches to larger species of marine mammals as it gets older and larger. In our area, it seems attracted to the carcasses of dead whales. Great whites have also gained a reputation in other areas for leaping out of the water to attack prey such as seals. This, however, is not the case in our waters. Sporadic reports and unusual videos and pictures seem to be the only clue that most of us have to their existence here.

One of the most feared species of sharks, great whites have been implicated in approximately 403 provoked and unprovoked attacks since 1530, with 65 of them resulting in fatal attacks as reported by the International Shark Attack File. Many of these cannot be confirmed though, so take this number as a rough guideline. These sharks usually bite out of curiosity our according to instinct. Remember: we are not its main target, we are merely visitors in its ocean.

These sharks were once considered of major importance to commercial and recreational fisheries throughout the world. It was widely used for its meat, liver, and fins. Now, it is considered a protected species and possession of any part of this fish is very bad juju if permits are not obtained or the parts are not collected before a certain date. The great white shark is currently listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN due to the high demand for its jaws, flesh, and fins. Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Trachinotus carolinus, the Florida Pompano

After nearly six years, Bloody Bill has run his course on sharks, so it’s about time he uses his knowledge of the many other amazing species you might see out there. I started this thing educate readers and to learn to love what I’ve grown to love about the ocean and the creatures that inhabit the waters in our area. Peoples like the Bussens, the Fishes, and the Myers know more about these fish than I ever could, but I’ll do my best to pass on the knowledge I’ve acquired about the biology of these fishes.

Proper identification is key — for visitors, locals… everyone. Ya’ll need to know what you’re catching, how much you can keep, and the size limits you need to keep them. The FWC don’t play around. I don’t want people getting busted for some mistake. Wanna catch fish? Listen to them. Wanna keep legal? Listen to me. I’m gonna give you the lowdown on what is being caught now, and one of the big ones — and one of my favorites — is the Florida pompano, Trachinotus caroliniatus.

The Florida pompano is one of the most prized species in this area. Some people really like ‘em; others aren’t too fond of them. Personally, I love them. They offer a good fight and good eating. Pompano can be found primarily in the winter months feeding in the surf. Make sure you get the identification correct though. Longer and slender with a yellow belly is the pompano; stout with the orange belly is the permit. Don’t get ‘em mixed up! Clams and sand fleas are your best bet for bait. Pompano are considered a smaller-sized species, with maximum lengths reaching around 24 inches and a max weight of about 6 lbs. They are usually found in the surf zone in the first or second troughs. The pompano is unlike most other fish in its general appearance; it has a considerably flattened body, similar to those in the jack family. Silvery and whitish color below, pompano are elongated and dark, yellowish bellies. The best way to tell them from permit is by the number of their anal fins — pompano have more. They can usually be found cruising through the surf munching on sand fleas and clams. Talk to the old timers; this is the best fish Florida has to offer.

This species is generally not aggressive, but it will provide a good fight if hooked. It has a limit of six per day, with a slot limit of 11 to 20 inches. You’re allowed to keep one over the slot limit if you’re luck enough to land one. The best way to cook is pompano (according to Rick Super) is with butter, salt, and pepper, but I found a recipe for Pompano Portobello that will please most palates. Look for other recipes online. Above all, do make sure you have a shoreline angler license before fishing for them. They’ll getcha if you don’t.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: http://myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/saltwaterfish_pompflor.htm

Orectolobus ornatus, the Ornate Wobbegong Shark

By Bloody Bill

So many things have happened this month: we all went to the Keys, had a great time, threw rocks at iguanas, saw a chupacabra… But have to give the highlight of the month to our own April Green Peters and Sean Duncan Slater, who were married right here in Cocoa Beach this month on November 19. All us boys were very proud to be in attendance for your great day, and wholeheartedly wish the both of ya’ll the best in your lives together. (No pictures of the morning after the Keys’ night please, Kelly!) Special thanks to Rick and Eric Super for keeping us alive and for keeping the secret of the chupacabra safe! That’s our thing!

As I do change things from time to time, I’ve decided to make this one of my last shark articles. I feel that after nearly five years, I need to tell ya’ll about some of the other creatures in these parts. One of the last and coolest of the sharks I’ll cover is one I wanted to supply me  with a leather seat cover for the cycle I always wished I had. That shark: Orectolobus ornatus, the ornate wobbegong shark.

The ornate wobbegong shark is another of the more unusual species. It is considered a medium-sized shark, with maximum lengths reaching around 9.5 feet, though they are usually found at considerably smaller sizes. It is unlike most other sharks in its general appearance; it has a considerably flattened head similar to others in this family. Although like most others it is dark above and whitish below, it has a dark yellowish color, with dark rectangle-shaped markings covering its dorsal surface. Distinctive characteristics include two similar-sized dorsal fins that are set close together and very far back toward the tail. The head and general body shape is extremely flattened, and the pectoral and pelvic fins are large and broad. Also present are fleshy lobes around the mouth and head of this species, giving it a very unique appearance, although it is quite similar to that of the spotted wobbegong.

The teeth of this shark are very long and pointed, and have been described as being “enlarged fangs.” The ornate wobbegong is found throughout most of Australia and in the South China Sea, in from the intertidal zone to depths of about 360 feet. It is mostly found in shallow waters under reefs and near piers in sandy bottoms. Primarily an ambush hunter, it waits covered in the sand until an unsuspecting fish or invertebrate ventures near. Besides these bursts of energy, it is usually considered a sluggish species, and is most likely to be found resting on the bottom. It has been reported to feed on primarily on squid, octopi, and crustaceans, as well as species of reef fish. Like most other species of shark, especially the ambush predators, anything that comes near its mouth is fair game — even other sharks.

The ornate wobbegong is generally not aggressive, but like most sharks, it will attack if provoked. Often, this occurs after being mistakenly stepped on, or by divers putting limbs too close to its mouth. Like the nurse sharks of our waters, this species is reluctant to release once it has bitten down, and the extremely sharp teeth can inflict a nasty wound. If you find yourself in Australian waters, don’t mess with it! According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been 39 confirmed attacks in the past by wobbegong sharks on humans. I am unsure as to how many of these are specific to this species, but they are definitely not to be messed with.

The flesh of this shark is considered quite tasty, and it is commonly caught in commercial fishing gear. The skin of this species is highly prized in the specialty leather trade, but despite this, it is considered a pest by lobster fishermen, as it will often entangle itself in the traps.  This shark is currently listed as both “Vulnerable” and “Near Threatened” in several areas of its range. They are an integral part of the ecosystems of the world, and as such, deserve our continued admiration, respect and conservation.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/

Shark Report: The Ghost Shark
Callorhinchus milii
By Bloody Bill

I just got back on land after a couple of weeks out at sea. Great boat, good food, fun times. I didn’t get to see anything too crazy, but this trip’s crew and my colleagues more than made up for it. Captain Paul and Jody of the RV Tommy Munro — ya’ll were great, as always. Our awesome principle investigators, Mandy and Grant — you were phenomenal. (The day crew still rocks, no matter what Grant says!) On a more personal note — here’s a special shout out to Eric and Jessica Super on the birth of their first child. Radi Grayson Super was born on October 1. That guy will have no shortage of awesome uncles to keep an eye on him when he gets older.

Now to the shark. I should have written about this one last month, but it’s Halloween as I write this, so it fits perfectly today. I give you one of the most unusual sharks I have ever seen: Callorhinchus milii, the ghost shark.

The ghost shark is a small species, with a maximum reported size of 49 inches, and there is no way you could confuse it with any other. They are part of the family Chimaera, and are a silvery white above and a creamy white below with dark blotches scattered over its entire body. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a long, pointed snout with a club-like structure on the snout, and large pectoral fins on a small, stout body. These sharks also have a spine at the base of the first dorsal fin, which can cause a nasty injury if not handled carefully. They seem to prefer clams and other shellfish, and the projection on its nose appears to be used in finding prey.

The ghost shark is classified as being a minor threat to humans, due chiefly to its potentially dangerous spine. It has never been known to attack humans, but this may be due to its small size. This shark is also considered to be minor importance in commercial fisheries, but is prized by indigenous peoples in New Zealand. Although not a targeted species, it is often caught in other fisheries, with the majority being exported to Australia for use in fish and chips. The ghost shark is currently listed as “Least Concern” with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations that assesses the conservation status of species. A listing as “Least Concern” indicates that this species does not qualify for “Endangered,” “Vulnerable,” or “Near Threatened.” This category includes widespread and abundant species; the ghost shark is considered relatively abundant throughout its geographic range.

The ghost shark inhabits the colder waters off coasts of the southern tip of Australia and New Zealand in depths of up to 656 feet. In the waters off southern Australia, commercial catch of the ghost shark has remained stable over the past 20 years. However, a three-mile closure of all Victorian waters to shark fishing provides a refuge for many species, including this one. In both Australia and New Zealand, “Total Allowable Catch” quotas are in place and have increased over time. The ghost shark fishery appears to be stable due to its high productivity.

Like all sharks, the ghost shark is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

For more information visit: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Hexanchus griseus, the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark
By Bloody Bill

There are so many big, crazy-looking, and primitive sharks out there. It’s rare to encounter one that meets all of these criteria.

This month’s species is one that can be described by all the aforementioned characteristics, and sharks in this family have some of the most interesting and unusual jaws that were in my collection. I introduce you to Hexanchus griseus, the bluntnose sixgill shark.

The commercial fishermen I’ve spoken to have described this shark as “awe-inspiring.” Many of them said that they’ve never seen another like it in their many years of fishing. The bluntnose sixgill is a large, ancient species, with a maximum reported size of nearly 16 feet, with weights reaching about 1,300 lbs. There are some reports that this shark can grow to lengths reaching 20 to 25 feet, but I’ve been unable to verify them.

This is a slow-growing and long-lived species, with some living to 80 years of age. They are usually a dusky gray to olive brown above and a dusky lighter shade below, and individuals often have a faint lighter stripe along the sides of their bodies. Indicative characteristics include a blunted snout, a huge mouth filled with unusually shaped teeth, and a single dorsal fin set far back on its body. Another distinguishing feature is its six gill slits; most other species have five.

This shark is primarily a deepwater species, inhabiting the outer continental shelves throughout the world to depths of 6,500 feet. During the day, the bluntnose sixgill often rests on or near the bottom, but is known to venture closer to the surface at night. Juveniles are sometimes found closer to shore. Like many of the deepwater species, little is known about its reproductive behavior.

They are known to be opportunistic feeders, as food items are often scarce in such deep areas of the ocean. It is known to eat many species of bony fish such as flounder and cod, as well as species of dogfish, crustaceans, and squid. It may be an ambush predator due to its slow but strong swimming ability. As with most species of sharks, nearly anything that will fit into its mouths is fair game, but it seems to prefer the carrion that makes its ways to the depths in which it lives, and its teeth are perfectly adapted to grasping and tearing off chunks of flesh.

This species is classified as being a negligible threat to humans, and there has only been one unprovoked attack since the 1500s. Although it has been observed acting unconcerned by divers near it, physical contact appears to bother this shark, both in its natural habitat and when its caught on fishing gear.

The bluntnose sixgill is considered important in commercial fisheries in many other areas of the world, but is now a protected species in our area, and it is illegal to bring them back to port. This shark can be an enjoyable catch for anglers, as long as they are released alive. The bluntnose shark is currently listed as being of “Near Threatened” status by the IUCN, and the populations have actually been considered depleted by many studies.

Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Carcharhinus signatus, the Night Shark
• Bloody Bill •

It seems to be getting harder and harder to come up with sharks from our area to profile. Well, have no fear faithful readers, I’ve got a good one for ya.

I recently talked to a friend of mine from one of the boats I worked on, and he reminded me of a shark we used to talk about, one I’d always wanted to encounter. You see, I worked on shark boats for many years. I often miss the fishing and the excitement of hunting down some of the coolest creatures in the ocean, but as Bloody Bill gets older, he likes the amenities of home more and more — things like showers, good home cooking, and yes, bathrooms. One shark that I’d have liked to have seen during those travels is one that is not commonly encountered in our waters. Although the commercial guys catch them on occasion, many of ya’ll may never get a chance to see Carcharhinus signatus, the night shark.

Possibly one of the rarer species in our area, the night shark is known to reach lengths of 9 feet, although the average size is around 7 feet. As the name implies, the night shark has usually been caught during the nighttime hours, commercially speaking. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina to Delaware, as well as around the western tip of Africa and the southern tip of Brazil. The coloration of the night shark is grayish blue and gray-brown above, with a white to gray-white underbelly. Occasionally, small black spots can be found distributed around the body or a subtle white band over the flank.

The night shark is also distinguished by a very long, pointed snout that is longer than the width of its mouth. It also has large green eyes when alive and a relatively small, triangular-shaped first dorsal fin that originates behind the free rear tips of the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is also small and low, originating just above the origin of the anal fin. A low interdorsal ridge is absent between the first and second dorsal fins. The moderately long pectoral fins are slightly sickle-shaped with narrowly rounded ends.

While the night shark is placed under the classification of “large coastal species,” they are found mostly offshore, usually at depths ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet, venturing to the 600-foot-and-up range during the nighttime. Like most other shark species, they are opportunistic feeders and nearly anything is considered a food source. They have been known to prey on squid, bottom fish, and flatfish, and other deepwater organisms.

According to the International Shark Attack File, this shark has not been implicated in any human attacks, due both to its rarity and the deep waters it inhabits. Although night sharks could potentially inflict damage to humans, this has not happened on record unless an unfortunate commercial fisherman was careless in the handling of one… which has undoubtedly happened to people who fish for as long as we do.

I’m not going to lie — I’ve never seen a night shark. Night sharks are protected in our area these days, but off the coast of Brazil, a fishery has developed for both the meat and fins. Even though these sharks have not been implemented in any attacks on our coasts and around the world, they are an integral part of our ecosystem. As always, they deserve our continued admiration, respect and conservation.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Mobula hypostoma, the Atlantic devil ray

Betcha didn’t think we had two similar looking manta-like rays in our waters, did ya? Well, I couldn’t write about last month’s species and not tell ya’ll about this one, could I? Our area is home to some amazing species, and I never knew about this one till I started working out on the local fishing boats.

Even I was confused when I first saw it; although it looked like a baby manta ray, there was something about it that looked… well, different. The captain of my vessel looked at me and said: “That ain’t no manta, that there is the devil.” And so went my introduction to this month’s species: Mobula hypostoma, the Atlantic devil ray.

Although this creature is remarkably similar to its larger cousin, the manta, there are many differences between the two. The devil is a considerably smaller species, only growing to lengths of up to 48 inches from tip to tip. It does differ from other species of ray in the fact that it is has certain fins on either side of its head that allows it to feed as it swims slowly throughout the water column filtering plankton. These fins on either side of its mouth face forward, as opposed to sideways in the manta ray.

The Atlantic devil ray inhabits our waters in during the summer, when it is busy both feeding and breeding. Color ranges from grayish to brownish, and there have been reports of a bluish variation with a lighter underside. Other indicative characteristics are wide, wing-like pectoral fins, projection-like fins on either side of its mouth, and a small, spineless tail. It is nearly impossible to mistake this species for anything other than a shark fin in the water, as the tip of its wing often resembles a shark as it feeds.

Historically, the devil ray has been found along the coastal areas of the western Atlantic. Little is known about its reproductive habits, but it is believed that this species has only one offspring per year. Prey items are planktonic species, and this is the reason that the devil ray appears along our coasts this time of year.

This species has never been implicated in a direct attack on humans, but they have been known to jump out of the water quite often. Its large size and frequency in our waters make it a potentially hazardous factor in any nearshore trip in our waters, although it is very unlikely to be hit by one.

The Atlantic devil ray has been commercially fished in the tropical Americas and the flavor of their flesh has been described as quite good. However, the low numbers in which they are caught make them of little importance to many commercial fisheries. Atlantic devil rays are not currently listed by the IUCN, as there is little to no scientific or fisheries data regarding them. It has been speculated that this species could become threatened if fishing pressures increase similarly to other sharks and rays.

Like all species, the devil ray is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration. Please help to conserve and protect this amazing creature.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Shark Report: The Manta Ray
Manta birostris, the Manta Ray

As I was ruminating on sharks of past features and the potentials for future ones, it was suggested by someone that I cover not a shark, but a ray.

Although this is a shark journal, rays are in fact related to sharks. Rays are something that many of ya’ll have seen out in our waters, so I figured I’d give you the rundown on the suggestion from our old bro, T.J.

It can and will be confused with some of the sharks we see in the lineup, but as I seem to be the guy telling ya’ll about these species month after month, I thought I would clarify some questions readers might have. T.J. said he saw one in the lineup recently, and they do seem to show up more and more in our area this time of year. I’d like to introduce you guys to an elasmobranch I’ve not written about before. This month’s species: is Manta birostris, the manta ray.

Look at some of the fishing reports in this publication, and many of them will tell of the appearance of the cobia during the summer months. Talk to any fisherman and they’ll tell you that they mainly look for one thing on the water to help locate cobia: manta rays. Cobia orient themselves near large objects, and mantas seem to be some of the largest in our waters. Although manta rays are not of commercial or recreational value in our area, they sure as heck have an impact on some of the species that do.

This creature is an unmistakable species; they are huge, growing to lengths of up to 30 feet tip to tip. Although some may be confused with another species — the devil ray — the huge size of the manta makes it nearly unmistakable in adulthood. It does differ from other rays in that it is much larger and has certain fins on either side of its head that allows it to feed while swimming slowly through the water column filtering plankton.

Mantas often inhabit our waters in the summertime, both feeding and breeding. Their color ranges from grayish to brownish, with a lighter underside like many sharks and rays, and indicative characteristics include wide, winglike pectoral fins, projection-like fins on either side of its mouth, and a small, spineless tail. It’s possible to mistake the manta for a breaching shark fin, as the tips of its wings often resemble a huge shark as it feeds.

Historically, the manta ray has been found in temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters throughout the world. Little is known about the accurate reproductive habits of the species, but it is believed to produce only one offspring per year. Prey items are planktonic species, and this is the reason why they appear along our coasts, as well as those throughout the world during this time of year. The manta ray has never really been implicated in any attack on humans, but they have been known to jump out of the water quite often.

This fish has been commercially fished in areas such as the tropical Americas, as well as Southeast Asia for its meat, fins, and liver oil. It is often sought as a tourism source and its value seems to be much higher alive than any other ray. It is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN. Agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working hard to protect both the populations and the habitats of this species, and help from the public is essential in these efforts.

Like all species, the manta ray is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration. Please help to conserve and protect this amazing creature.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/

This is an article that I really didn’t expect to write.

For the last two months I’ve been out in the Gulf of Mexico, doing the offshore work that’s sometimes required for my real job. Make no mistake about it my friends, the oil is out there. I’ve seen it, and it’s not pretty. There is hope though; our trip was a success. The FWC stepped up when others couldn’t. We made things happen, and I’m very proud and lucky to work for an organization that cares about our waters so strongly enough to research this spill to the extent required. I salute them for their efforts. We were asked to do a job, and we did it. When we were lucky enough to pull some nets, we did. This was a very deep trawl, and there were species that I’d never seen before.

When I saw what came up in that net, I knew what I had to write about: Etmopterus hillianus, the blackbelly dogfish, also known as the Caribbean lanternshark.

The blackbelly dogfish is a small species, with a maximum reported size of 50 centimeters. The ones I saw were considerably smaller. They have a drab coloration — darkish black above with a slightly darker ventral coloration. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a short, rounded snout, spiracles behind the eyes, and dark tips on all the fins. The dorsal fins of this species are of equal size, and have very distinct, very sharp spines located at each base. I grabbed one the wrong way and it really lit me up, if you get my meaning. Their teeth appear to be very blunt, and seem to be specialized in ambushing prey. Our trawl came from many thousands of feet down, so the exact prey of choice is speculative at best. They are found in depths of 180 to 717 meters, and have been located throughout the Western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

This shark is not considered important in commercial or recreational fisheries to the best of my knowledge, and as far as I know it is not listed by the IUCN. It’s not often found due to its deepwater habitat, and little is known about the blackbelly. Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.fishbase.org

Poroderma pantherinium, the Leopard Catshark

I always seem to be rushing to finish up my articles before $2 tacos and $1 drafts at Taco City… This is the fourth in my series of ongoing reports of common sharks we may see in our local aquariums, restaurants, and pet shops. This month’s species is one that caught my eye several years ago at a small aquarium in the northeast. Its amazing coloration was the first thing that caught my eye. My friend Summer had actually suggested this species many months ago, but unfortunately was only able to write about it until now. This one goes out to you, Summer. I’ll miss ya, and thank you for suggesting this month’s species. It’s one that’s very easy to identify: Poroderma pantherinium, the leopard catshark.

The Leopard catshark is another of the smaller species, with a maximum reported size reaching 33.4 inches, though they’re likely to be found in the 21- to 24-inch range. They have an amazing coloration: a creamy brown to gold color with variable darker spots, rings, and lines along their entire body, a feature which give them their name.

Indicative characteristics of the leopard catshark include a short, stocky body, the absence of a lower tail lobe, spiracles behind the eyes, and large sensory barbels near the nostrils. The two dorsal fins are of similar size and are set far back on the body. The pectoral fins are of equal size, and are the same size as the pelvic fins as well. Like last month’s species, they are large and muscular, and are often observed walking along the ocean floor.

This shark commonly inhabits inshore rocky reefs along the southern tip of South Africa along the Natal coast to depths of 840 feet. Although they appear to be year-round residents in this home range, data on them is extremely deficient. The Leopard catshark is a nocturnal predator, and its teeth are similar to others in its family, specialized for grasping soft-bodied creatures as well as crushing hard-bodied reef dwellers. They are known to feed on bony fishes, crustaceans, octopi, and polychaete worms.

It is is considered to be of minor importance in the pet and aquaria trade, and is often caught in commercial fisheries, as well as by shoreline anglers. Found in aquariums throughout the world due to its ability to adapt well to captivity and for its striking coloration, the leopard catshark is not currently listed by the IUCN, but this may change due to its collection in the pet trade.

Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Shark Report: The Puffadder Shyshark
Haploblepharis edwardsii

In an effort to cover the world’s most interesting sharks for you, it’s inevitable that I sometimes run into a brick wall.

I had writers block something fierce this month, so I decided to go see Pakalolo’d Up this past Saturday at the Thirsty Lizard in Satellite Beach instead of writing. (A totally great time, by the way; I urge you to check out both the band and the Lizard.) Sunday arrived, and while nursing a ferocious headache with a terrible peach aftertaste in my mouth, I began to think once again about sharks.

This is the third in a series of my ongoing reports of common sharks we may see in our local aquariums, restaurants, and pet shops. This month’s species is one that is totally random, but the name pretty much happened to sum up the way I felt that day — if I had been a shark. This month’s species is one that is not common to our area, though it is sometimes found in an occasional tank here and there. It also has a cool name and is very easy to identify. It is called Haploblepharis edwardsii, the puffadder shyshark.

The puffadder shyshark is a small species, with a maximum reported size of about 24 inches, although many are likely to be smaller than that. They have an amazing coloration, being a mottled brown with darker saddles, and are flecked with small white spots along the entirety of their bodies. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a short, rounded snout, spiracles behind the eyes, and the lack of sensory barbels near the nostrils.

Their skin is thick, and is covered in well-calcified dermal denticles. Both the dorsal fins and pectoral fins are of similar size, and are also the same size as the pelvic fins, but there is no lower lobe on its tail. Like last month’s species, the epaulette, they are large and muscular, and are often observed walking along the bottom. The teeth of this species are similar to others in its family, and appear to be specialized for both grasping soft-bodied creatures and crushing hard-bodied reef-dwellers. More than likely this means that the puffadder is a nocturnal feeder specializing in reef fish and small crustaceans.

The puffadder commonly inhabits sandy and rocky bottom habitats near Natal, South Africa. They are found both inshore as well as offshore to depths of 427 feet, thought they are more often found in depths in the 100 to 300-ft. range. The puffadder is often handled by beachgoers, and is not considered dangerous. Although they appear to be year-round residents in their home range, precise data is extremely deficient.

The puffadder shyshark is considered to be of minor importance in the pet and aquaria trade, but commercial trawl fisheries may encounter it as bycatch. It is often caught by recreational surf anglers, but is not used for food due to its small size. The puffadder is occasionally found in aquariums throughout the region, but is currently listed as being of “Lower Risk/Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to its limited range, heavily fished habitat, and the potential degradation of the water quality in the area. Like all sharks, the puffadder shyshark is an integral part of the ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Hemiscyllium ocellatum, the Epaulette Shark
By Bloody Bill

As I’m finishing up this article before going to work the kitchen for $2 Taco Tuesday at Taco City, I realized these little sharks are more common in our area than I ever could have imagined.

This is the second of my ongoing reports of common sharks we may see in our local aquariums, restaurants, and pet shops. This month’s species is one that caught my eye several years ago in a higher-end seafood restaurant in Stuart. My chick at the time said, “Okay, shark expert, what the heck kinda shark is that?” indicating a specimen in the lobby tank. To my dismay, I did not know, and had to live down the rest of the weekend in shame.

Well, fortunately for the rest of you, I’m here to make sure you don’t have to go through the humiliation I did and to make sure you know your sharks. This month’s species is one that’s very common in our area and also one that’s very easy to identify — hemiscyllium ocellatum, the epaulette shark.

The epaulette shark is a small species, with a maximum reported size of 42 inches, although they’re more likely to be found in the 24- to 26-inch range. They have an amazing coloration consisting of a creamy brown flecked with darker spots along its entire body. Indicative characteristics include a short, rounded snout, the absence of a lower tail lobe, spiracles behind the eyes, and sensory barbels near the nostrils. But one of its most distinctive characteristics is a pair of large black spots located directly behind the pectoral fins. These fins are of equal size and are the same size as the pelvic fins as well. Their teeth are similar to others in its family, and appear to be designed for grasping and crushing both soft and hard-bodied reef creatures. More than likely this means that epaulette sharks are nocturnal feeders specializing in reef fish and small crustaceans.

Like last month’s species, epaulettes are large and muscular, and are often observed “walking” along the sea floor. They commonly inhabit inshore tropical and subtropical reefs along the northern coast of Australia to depths of 164 feet, though they are often found in nearshore tidepools trapped until the rising of the tide. Epaulettes are often handled by beachgoers, and are not considered dangerous. Although they appear to be year-round residents in their home range, data on them is extremely deficient.

This shark is considered as of minor importance in the pet and aquaria trade, but commercial fisheries may use it in traditional Chinese medicines. They are often found in aquariums throughout the world due to their ability to adapt well to captivity. The epaulette shark is currently listed as being of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but this may change due to its collection in the pet trade. However, populations in their home range have been traditionally lacking in assessment and accuracy.

Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Chiloscyllium plagiosum, the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark

Sharks are pretty cool, there’s no doubt about it. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’re pretty much going to be interested in finding out more about them.

I’ve written about many of the larger and more common ones you may encounter in our waters and beyond. I’ve written about the ones that scare the crap out of us in the surf, the ones we see during “Shark Week” that can bite your face off, and the ones that are a major part of commercial and recreational fisheries around the world.

As I began to think about this month’s species, it dawned on me: Why not write about the sharks we see at our local restaurants, aquariums, and pet shops? They are sharks after all, and even though most are not found in our area, they are still ones that many of us see pretty regularly. That’s why I’ve decided to write about possibly one of the most popular aquarium species, Chiloscyllium plagiosum, the whitespotted bamboo shark.

The whitespotted bamboo shark is a small species, with a maximum reported size of 37 inches, although they are more likely to be found in the 26- to 31-inch range. They have an amazing coloration — light brown with darker bands and light spots along its entire body. Indicative characteristics include a short, rounded snout, spiracles behind the eyes, and sensory barbels near the nostrils. The pectoral fins are of equal size and are also the same size as the large and muscular pelvic fins, which are often used to “walk” along the bottom. There is also no lower lobe on the tail of this species.

The bamboo shark commonly inhabits inshore tropical and subtropical reefs from India north to China, and also in the waters around Madagascar and Indonesia. Although they appear to be year-round residents in their home range, applicable data is extremely deficient. The teeth of this species are similar to others in its family, and appear to be specialized for grasping soft-bodied reef creatures — and crushing hard-bodied ones as well. More than likely, this means that they are nocturnal feeders specializing in reef fish and small crustaceans.

The whitespotted bamboo is considered as of minor importance in commercial fisheries in India, China, and Thailand, though it is often used in traditional Chinese remedies in these areas. They are often found in aquariums throughout the world due to their ability to adapt well to captivity.

The whitespotted bamboo shark is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to its collection in the pet trade, but the populations in its home range have been lacking in assessment and accuracy.

Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

Echinorhinus brucus, The Bramble Shark

Well, it would seem that there aren’t many sharks that ol’ Bloody Bill hasn’t seen with his own eyes, but trust me, there are so many species out there that it’s nearly impossible to check them all out in a single lifetime.

Echinorhinus brucus is another of those just plain weird sharks that still make seasoned scientists like myself shake their heads. Shark evolution is baffling; the best minds in marine science continually wonder how and why these animals have evolved in the ways they have.  What purpose does this adaptation serve? How does it give this animal an advantage in survival over others?

I’ve never seen a bramble shark, but have spoken to a fisherman who claimed he’d caught one many years ago. I don’t know whether his account is true, as many fishermen tend to exaggerate, but I will pass on what he told me about his encounter with this species. He claimed it was caught off Long Island in a deepwater trawl targeting monkfish. He said no one had ever seen a shark like this and described it as having “rose thorns all over his body.” The crew threw it back because they didn’t know what the heck it was and didn’t want to bring in a potentially protected species, he claimed.

The bramble shark is a very rare species, and little is known about it. AWe do know that is a deepwater shark, usually inhabiting depths of the continental shelves in the 3,000-foot range. The maximum reported size of the bramble shark is reported to reach about 9 feet, although they’re more likely to be found in the smaller-sized range. They are colored dark gray, olive, purple, black or brown with metallic reflections on the dorsal side, occasionally with darker blotches on their undersides. The interesting and unusual characteristics that separate this shark from others are the dorsal fins that are set far back on its body, a similar feature of other primitive species. The unique characteristic that gives the bramble its name is the bony, thorn-like protuberances covering its body. It is a sluggish species, cruising the cold, deep waters of mainly the Mediterranean and coast of Africa in search of food. As with most species of sharks, especially the deepwater species, nearly anything that will fit into their mouths is fair game, but it seems to prefer species of small, deepwater bony fish.

Although this species is classified as being no threat to humans, this may be due to its small size and infrequent interactions with humans. According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the bramble shark is a rare deepwater shark that has only been recorded sporadically and usually solitarily at widely dispersed localities throughout the world. Although very little is known about its life history, it is likely to be a slow-growing, late-maturing species. It is not taken in commercial fisheries due to the depth at which it occurs. However, there is some published data on the decline of this species in the northeast Atlantic in recent years. At the present time, there is a lack of data to assess the conservation status of the bramble shark, and as such, is currently categorized as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN. Since it is taken, although infrequently, as fisheries bycatch, along with its probable limiting life history characteristics, the bramble shark may well meet the criteria for the “Threatened” category as more data becomes available.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

I’ve been told to never get close to the salmon shark, even though I’d also been told that it was unlikely I’d ever see one with my own eyes. But you can’t imagine the horrific feeling I got from my first eventual sight of one — and neither could the governmental agency responsible for me.

The salmon shark is a large species, with a maximum reported size of 10 feet, often a bluish gray color above and a lighter shade of white below. Indicative characteristics of the salmon shark include a conical snout and cylindrical body with large jaws and very pointed teeth.  Upon first glance, many may misidentify this shark as being a great white, and although they might seem extremely similar, they are in fact entirely different.

This shark also has relatively large black eyes, small gill slits and a very distinctly shaped tail fin. Another difference between this shark and the great whites is the presence of secondary keels on the base of its tail. Considered a true pelagic species, lamna ditropis is usually found in the open ocean, but can also be found in offshore and coastal areas of the Northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The salmon shark is not considered to be very abundant according to offshore commercial fishermen, and evidence suggests that they’re found sporadically in many areas of their range. In my experience, these sharks are mostly found well offshore and in northern-latitude waters, as colder temperatures seem to be their preferred habitat. This species, like many others in the order Lamniformes, is actually able to regulate the temperature of its internal organs, even though it is a cold-blooded animal. Food habits suggest that the salmon shark feeds on — what else — salmon! Like most other sharks, it is an opportunistic feeder, and will eat almost anything. I have cut them open on occasion and found squid, several species of bony fish, and other sharks as well.

Though salmon sharks are usually found in the open ocean, they have never been implicated in human attacks. Their large size, sharp teeth, fast speed, and aggressive nature contribute to their being categorized as being potentially dangerous to humans.

These sharks are considered of minor importance to commercial and recreational fisheries alike, and highest capture rates occur in the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Occasionally caught in deepwater gillnets, longlines, and deepwater trawls in fisheries throughout the world, the salmon shark is currently listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN.

Like all sharks, they are an integral part of our ecosystem and deserve our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Megachasma pelagios, the Megamouth Shark

This month will mark the 8-year anniversary of my documentation of a very rare shark off the coast of California. It was only the 15th time it had been documented by scientists. Since my encounter with this species, 27 additional individuals have been reported from around the world.

On November 15, 1976, a U.S. Navy ship off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii made what may be considered as one of the greatest discoveries in shark science. A shark unlike any previously recorded had become entangled in a deep-water net. This first specimen would eventually lead scientists to create not only a new genus and species, but an entirely new family (Megachasmidae) in order to accurately place this creature. Since its initial discovery, a total of only 42 individuals have been recorded worldwide, the majority of which were incidentally caught in fishing nets. Sightings of this particular species of shark have been reported around the world — Polar seas excluded — with numerous sightings occurring in Japan, Taiwan, and California. Several experts have described this species as “one of the rarest species in the oceans,” and its occurrence is “less often than that of Bigfoot.” Due to the lack of information regarding this species, especially that of live individuals, the majority of the knowledge has been derived from the necropsies of dead specimens, firsthand accounts from field researchers, and two observations of live individuals in their natural habitat.

The megamouth shark is one of the three giant filter-feeding shark species, a grouping that also includes the whale shark (Cetorhinus maximus), and the basking shark (Rhincodon typus). It is considered large, attaining a maximum size of at least 17 feet. The body of this shark has loose, soft skin, weak muscle tissues, and a poorly calcified cartilaginous skeleton relative to that of other sharks. Distinctive characteristics of this species are the extremely large mouth, a bulbous head, and a dirty white coloration of the lower jaw, which often includes dusky spots.

As with the other filter feeders, this species has numerous rows of extremely small teeth, and poses relatively no danger to man. Until the live capture, tagging, and monitoring of a megamouth in late 1990, knowledge of the behavior of this animal was virtually nonexistent. For three days off the coast of southern California, the radio transmitters attached to a captured animal revealed a daily vertical migration pattern. It appeared to remain in relatively deep water during the daylight hours, and returned to the midwater depths at night, presumably feeding on plankton as it ascended. Another live megamouth observation of the coast of Indonesia in 1998 revealed an additional aspect of megamouth ecology: predators. A group of three sperm whales was observed attacking a mature megamouth shark. Although this individual lived through this encounter, markings from this attack were present in the gill regions and dorsal area. It remains unknown whether this attack was due to actual predation or mere curiosity.

For more information, visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Mahalo, Bloody Bill

Carcharias taurus, the Sand Tiger Shark

Sharks have a terrible reputation in our area for some reason.

Maybe it’s the attacks, maybe its the toothy grin that people see at the aquariums. Sharks were a large part of my life for many years, and until this weekend, I had one of the largest collections of shark and shark relatives in our area. I have encountered so many species in my time, and have been lucky enough to be able to retain mementos of the species that I had seen over the years. As the result of fire at my storage unit, I lost everything I owned. The only thing I really cared about were all the shark jaws, parts, pictures and videos that were part of what defined me. One of the biggest losses was a specimen of this month’s species: Carcharias taurus, the sand tiger shark.

Sand shark, beach shark, gray spotted shark – I’ve heard all of them used to describe this species. This is an uncommon shark in our areas, but it is caught on occasion. It has been caught offshore, and at one time was a staple of the old spearfishing shark derbies in the Carolinas.

The sandtiger is a large shark, with a maximum reported size reaching nearly 10 feet, although they are more likely to be found in the 4 to 9 foot range. They are usually a dusky brown to greenish above and a creamy white below, and individuals often have faint reddish spots scattered over their body. Indicative characteristics include a long, pointed snout, a huge mouth filled with razor sharp teeth, and two dorsal fins that are both relatively the same size.

This shark commonly inhabits both warm-temperate and tropical coasts around the world with the exception of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Although they are year round residents in the Carolinas, they show regular inshore to offshore migrations to deeper water. They are known to form large sexually-segregated schools around many of the reefs, and as winter approaches, the sharks move into deeper waters towards the southern regions, returning in spring to mate nearshore and give birth. An interesting fact of this species is that young developing inside the female practice intrauterine cannibalism, where usually one to two young will develop before the others and actually feed on the undeveloped brothers and sisters in the womb.

They have been known to inhabit depths of up to 626 feet, but mostly remain in much shallower waters. Along with being common residents of the reef zone, the sandtiger shark has rarely been known to venture into nearshore waters such as estuaries and rivers. As with most species of sharks, nearly anything that will fit into their mouths is fair game, but seems to prefer species of small reef fish, and its teeth are perfectly adapted to this ability.

Although sandtiger sharks are classified as being a minor threat to humans, this may be due to humans entering their habitat, especially during spearfishing operations. Although I have rarely heard of this species attacking a human, it has occurred in the past. Due to their large size and its proximity to humans on reefs, there have been reports of 29 unprovoked attacks over the years, with only two resulting in fatalities. It poses a relatively minute danger to humans and should be of no concern during normal beachgoing activities.
This shark is considered to be of importance in commercial fisheries in many other areas of the world, but is now a protected in our area. At times, the large schools were once spearfished in many areas, but can be an enjoyable catch for anglers in our area, as long as they are released alive. The sandtiger shark is currently listed as being of “Vulnerable” status by the IUCN, and the populations have actually been considered depleted by many studies. Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/Sandtiger/Sandtiger.html

That’s what I used, they really know their stuff.

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Please send any feedback or comments to the Beachside Resident.

Carcharhinus limbatus, the Blacktip Shark

We’ve been seeing a heck of a lot of these sharks in the news again. As it’s time for these sharks to be in our area, many people keep asking me this question: “How the do you tell the difference between blacktip and spinner sharks?” Well, I’m going to tell ya’ll.

Since we live in Central Florida, I’ve chosen a species that I consider number one for shark attacks in our area. We all remember the infamous week of attacks at Ponce Inlet a few years ago. It’s with this in mind I’d like to introduce to two sharks: Carcharhinus limbatus, the blacktip shark, and Carcharhinus brevipinna, the spinner shark.

Possibly one of the most common species in our area, the blacktip shark is known to reach lengths of 8.5 feet, although the average size is around 5 feet. As the name implies, this species has black tips found on the pectoral fins, first and second dorsals, pelvic fins, and lower lobe of the tail, though they may fade with age. It usually doesn’t have black tips on its anal fin, although a closely related species, the spinner shark, usually does possess this coloration. The blacktip shark is dark gray/blue to brown above, and white below with a distinct white band across the sides. They are stout, with a longer and more pointed snout in relation to other species. The first dorsal fin is positioned slightly behind the pectoral fins and is triangular-shaped with a narrow point.

Although this species is under the classification of “large coastal species,” they are found both inshore and offshore, but usually don’t stray far from the beach. Blacktip sharks usually begin to show up by the thousands in our area during early spring, and these schools are usually segregated by both size and sex. As the water begins to warm, these schools begin to move inshore. It’s during this time that females move into the estuarine nursery grounds where they give birth to live young. Usually they are found from the beach out to roughly 6 miles offshore where they feed mainly on the schools of mullet and other baitfish species. Common locations of these schools are murky shallow water, with low visibility, and inlets with high prey abundance are also a common location for this species, especially in our area.

Like most other shark species, they are opportunistic feeders and anything is considered a food source. They have been known to prey on hatchling sea turtles as they leave the beaches, and I consider this an important food source to the young of this species. During feeding, they are known to attack from below, often jumping out of the water and spinning several times. It is because of this behavior that they are often misidentified as spinner sharks. Although it has been reported that spinner sharks also perform this action, we personally have rarely, if ever, caught blacktip sharks during fishing operations in schools that do not spin.

According to the International Shark Attack File, both blacktip and spinner sharks are the leading species in Florida shark attacks. Primarily, these sharks will cruise the beaches feeding on baitfish in the murky waters of the surf. It is during this time that the majority of attacks occur. Surfing is by far the leading activity which results in attacks by this species, and Volusia County, specifically Ponce Inlet, is considered the shark attack capital of the world. Although attacks by blacktip sharks are very common in our waters, only one death has occurred according to the databases.

About 8 years ago, I happened to be fishing in south Cocoa Beach. I had mainly been catching stingrays, when two older ladies visiting from New York began talking to me. They had been walking in knee-deep water and asked me about the local critters in the ocean. As I often do, I told them primarily of the food value of some of the fish that are caught locally. They then proceeded to ask if I was “a hippie.” Granted, I had long hair at the time, and I have been known to catch my dinner on occasion, but a does that really make me a hippie? I took it with a grain of salt as we continued talking. I decided to switch over to my shark rig and hooked up one of the stingrays. I cast out roughly 10 yards into the surf as the ladies continued to wade and talk nearby. I heard them ask what I thought I’d expect to catch.

Before they could finish their sentence, the surf exploded as the line peeled off my reel and the shark bee-lined towards them. I have never seen people move as quickly as they did. Twenty minutes and several additional tourists later, the shark came into view. The 5-foot blacktip thrashed in the shallow water, and I handed the fishing pole to one of the ladies. They nearly fainted. I went down to the water, grabbed the shark by the tail, and dragged it up onto the beach. I told the tourists that that was what I expected to catch. I cut the line and dragged the shark back to the surf and let it go. The ladies asked why I didn’t kill it, because it was a shark after all. I explained to them that I don’t kill what I don’t eat. They just shook their heads as they walked away — and a good distance from the water, I might add.  All I heard as they went down the beach was “crazy hippie.”

Even though these sharks have been implemented in many attacks on our coasts and around the world, they are an integral part of our ecosystem. They deserve our continued admiration, respect and conservation.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Negaprion acutidens, the Sicklefin Lemon Shark

Well, something amazing has happened. My good friend, Cocoa Beach’s own Eric Super, recently married the beautiful Jessica Iliev on June 13 in Waialua, Hawaii. I extend my congratulations to the both of you. It was while attending their wedding that I thought of a shark that resides in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; somewhat fitting, seeing as how Eric’s an Atlantic guy now living in Hawaii. Although these two kinds of lemon sharks are technically different species, the Florida variety is the one that’s very close to my heart. And as Eric is one of my best friends in the world, I’d like to dedicate this article to he and his wife, the Supers of Haleiwa, Hawaii.

Although the sicklefin lemon shark is not found in this region, it appears to be as common in its Pacific habitat as the lemon sharks of our own area. During my time in the Pacific, I was never able to fish for them, but I do have a friend in Tahiti who told me of the fishery in which he was able to see this amazing shark.

Like the lemon shark of our area, this a very aggressive shark and with a pale, yellow-brown coloration. It does not have any characteristic markings such as spots or stripes, but can be distinguished from its Atlantic counterpart by the greater curvature of its pectoral fins, which give them a more sickle-shaped appearance, hence its name. One of the better ways to determine the identity of this species is to look at the dorsal fins as this is one of several species in the area that has both dorsal fins roughly the same size.

Sicklefins are one of the larger species, and are usually found in the 8- to 10-foot range, but can reach lengths of up to 12 to 13 feet. They possess a large, stocky head with a rounded snout that contains thin triangular teeth with wide bases. There is, however, no black smudge on the tip if the nose. Primarily a subtropical shallow water shark, they prefer to inhabit coral reefs, mangroves, shallow bays and rivermouths with muddy or sandy bottoms, but have been known to venture into deeper water during seasonal migrations.

Sicklefin lemon sharks are found in the Indo-Pacific region from coasts around South Africa and Madagascar and north to Vietnam and south to Australia. Sightings have been reported in Palau, Tahiti, and Taiwan. They are usually spotted in the shallow flats areas as well as in shallow coral reefs and beaches. Like most other sharks, they seem to eat nearly anything that is available. Primary prey items include those that are found in shallow water areas (under 300 feet), and include mullet, jacks, stingrays, crabs, sea birds, and other sharks.

This species seems to be considerably more bashful than the lemon sharks found in our area. According to accounts, it is quite reluctant to approach people and bait. Similar to our variety, it will respond quite aggressively when provoked. Due to its large size, special care should be taken when coming in contact with them.

Negaprion acutidens is targeted by commercial fisheries in several countries within its range. Their large fins are highly prized for export, and the flesh is also quite tasty, making this a very marketable and highly desirable species. It is currently considered as “Threatened,” and is close to being classified as “Vulnerable,” with local extinctions occurring in India and Thailand, yet is not considered endangered at this time. Lemon sharks are a large part of our world’s ecosystem, and they deserve our continued respect, admiration and conservation.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases

Carcharhinus Brachyurus, the Narrowtooth Shark

We seem to be nationwide bruddahs — we have readers from Florida to Hawaii to Alaska. We even have one of our own who infiltrated the Kentucky Derby with his girl — and they did it beautifully. We may not be the most polite or the most proper, or even the smartest. I will tell you though, we have heart. When we travel, we let others know the way we do things at the beach, and we do it right. I had a bro from Chicago visit recently, and all he could say was “Dude, you really do live in a great place.” We really are a killer bunch of knuckleheads. Mason, welcome back to the city, and TJ Lewis, good to see ya after nearly 20 years. This month’s species Carcharhinus brachyurus, the narrowtooth shark, is for ya’ll.

Similar to the blacktip shark, the narrowtooth is a bronze to gray above and a creamy white below. One of the stockier species, it reaches lengths of up to 8 feet. It has relatively large pectoral fins with dusky tips or edges, and has large eyes in relation to its head. The snout is large and slender, and the teeth are narrow and triangular, giving this shark its name. It is found throughout the world in temperate and tropical waters along the coast to depths of 328 feet and is known to inhabit bays and estuaries, as well as brackish large river systems. It feeds on squid and octopus, as well as schooling fish such as mullet, sardines and anchovies.  It has often been observed following the schools of sardines along the coast of Africa.

According to the International Shark Attack File, narrowtooth sharks have been known to attack swimmers in the past. Approximately 30 instances have been linked to this species, although none has resulted in a fatality. Primarily, these sharks will cruise the beaches feeding on baitfish in the murky waters of the surf. It is during this time that the majority of attacks occur. Although not considered a major threat to man, its large size does make it a potentially dangerous species.

Although not a commercially important species in our area, these sharks are often caught in commercial longline fisheries in areas such as New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil. It is also caught as incidental bycatch by recreational sport fishermen. Based on its low abundance worldwide, it has been listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN in 2003. These sharks are an important part of our ecosystem and deserve our continued admiration, conservation and respect.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Rhinobatus lentinginosus, the Atlantic Guitarfish

Well, Bloody Bill just got back from being out at sea, not as a fisherman and not as a deckhand (as much as some in the panhandle would like to believe — you know who you are).

I just came off the research vessel Tommy Munro out of southern Mississippi and serving as a scientist. Many thanks to the crew of this great vessel for helping myself and the other scientists in completing our tasks and making our trip a truly enjoyable experience. It was during this research trip that we came across one of the few species I’d never seen before. Technically, it’s not a shark, but a species of the ray family. It’s also another of the unusual sea-dwelling species, and can best be described as the name it’s been given: the Atlantic guitarfish, or Rhinobatus lentiginosus.

I’d never seen this shark until this last research trip, and had to do some research to make sure that I had my facts in order. I had heard about it, mainly from friends who served as observers on commercial shrimp boats. It’s not a big, badass species like many of the others I’ve written about, but rather a small and mellow fish happy to bury itself in the mud or sand. To the best of my knowledge, it’s of little interest to fishermen, and I’ve never talked to anyone who’s paid it much attention.

The Atlantic guitarfish is a small species, with a maximum reported size of 30 inches, although they’re likely to be found in the smaller range. They’re a grayish to brown color with a lighter freckling above and a creamy pale white hue below. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a long, wide-pointed snout that is almost translucent, and darker colorations on the pectoral fins. Unlike many other rays, these critters do not have spines at the base of their tails. The guitarfish, like others in its family, features a located underneath its ray-like head, and the jaws and teeth are similar to that of a common stingray. Although technically a ray, this species tends to swim more like a shark. They commonly inhabit the waters around the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico to the outer banks of North Carolina to depths of 98 feet. They’ve also been known to inhabit brackish and freshwater estuaries for periods of time. The guitarfish seem to prefer small crabs, clams, and shellfish, including shrimp, as well as other bottom-dwelling creatures. Perfectly fitted to feeding in this manner, guitarfish have also been known to use their ray-like heads to hold prey on the bottom while feeding.

Although the guitarfish is classified as being unthreatening to humans, it may be due to the its small size and infrequent interactions with humans. Due to the small size of this species and the offshore nature of its habitat, it poses a relatively minute danger to humans and should not be feared during normal beach going activities.

This shark is considered as of no importance in commercial fisheries, but is often a bycatch in shrimp trawls throughout the Gulf of Mexico and is considered “not listed” by the IUCN, but reports from fishermen in major shrimping areas describe them being taken in large numbers.

Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish

Carcharhinus albimarginatus, the Silvertip Shark

Whether it’s fed from my studies in marine biology or from my years on commercial fishing vessels, I’m someone who’s both loved and hated (especially after being bitten) sharks for the majority of my life. For the last three or so years, I’ve written about the sharks that I’ve come across while at sea. As of late, I have started describing those I’ve merely heard about, and those I wanted to encounter at some point in life. I pass on the stories I hear and the facts presented by the experts in this field. Many thanks to all the shark dudes out there (and Summer) for their passion, drive, and perseverance and for furthering our knowledge about these incredible creatures. Whether you’ve written the papers I’ve read during my education or captained boats I’ve been on, I thank all of you.

Very little is known about this month’s shark, a species which has always piqued my interest — Carcharhinus albimarginatus, the silvertip shark.

The silvertip is another one of the medium to large species, reaching lengths of up to 9.8 feet according to many resources, but it seems the average size is around 6.5 feet and about 350 pounds. Like most other sharks, this one is similarly colored, being dark olive gray above and whitish below. Distinctive characteristics include an interdorsal ridge between the two dorsal fins, a rounded snout similar to that of grey reef sharks, and silvery whitish tips on the trailing edges of nearly all its fins.

The teeth of this species are very similar to those of the dusky shark. In fact, both species have very similar habitats and mannerisms. The silvertip appears to be found most abundantly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, mostly off the eastern coast of Africa and sporadically throughout the Pacific Ocean. It often resides on the continental shelves and reefs to depths of up to 2,625 feet while younger individuals are found in shallower areas throughout the same environs. This species primarily cruises the outer edges of the reefs of its habitat, and is often found along the edges of deep ledges, where it preys on pelagic fish as well as several species of reef dwelling creatures like octopus and squid. Primarily an ambush hunter, it waits on the outskirts of reefs and ledges until it dashes in and grabs a meal. Apart from these bursts of energy, it’s generally considered a mellow species, and is most likely to be found cruising patiently along the shelf edges.

The silvertip shark is responsible for one unprovoked attack according to the International Shark Attack File. There is the potential for this species to attack when in contact with humans, but it appears to be more curious than anything else. The flesh of this shark is most likely utilized in commercial shark fisheries, and it’s sporadically caught in commercial fishing gear. It’s currently listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN in several areas of its range.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/

Cephaloscyllium ventriosum, the Swell Shark

Once again, the suggestions for this months shark comes from you, the readers. The “Shark Girl” of Brevard County brought this one to my attention, and it’s one I haven’t thought about since my days in California. Many thanks, Summer, for suggesting another rare species.

California and Florida are two different places, to say the least. Sharks common to our area are so different and diverse that sometimes I forget all the species that inhabit our oceans. I have only seen this species one time — in California when I was fishing with a guy off some pier on the Cali coast in 2001.

The swell shark is a smaller species, with a maximum reported size of approximately 43 inches, although they’re likely to be found in the 35-inch range. Their coloring is usually a light brown with many darker splotches on the dorsal area above and a creamy white below, and younger individuals often have faint whitish spots scattered over their body. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a short, rounded snout, a huge mouth proportionally larger than that of a white shark, razor sharp tricuspid teeth, and first dorsal fins that begin well behind the pelvic fins. The gill slits are also very small proportionally as well.

The swell shark gets its name from its ability to inflate its body with water to nearly twice its normal size to discourage predators and grab its tail with its mouth. It’s usually found at depths of 16-121 feet in rocky outcroppings. As night falls, it moves to the shallows where it waits to ambush its prey, commonly consisting of nearly anything that might fit into its mouth. It will often sit on the bottom with its mouth open, waiting for any unfortunate creature to venture close to its striking range. It inhabits cold water oceans along the West Coast of California and Chile.

Although this species is classified as being an exceptionally minor threat to humans, this may be due to its small size and the rarity of its ever choosing to attack. Although mellow as far as sharks are concerned, the swell shark will readily attack if provoked and may inflict a painful bite, especially to divers. It is occasionally caught in commercial lobster traps, most likely looking for an easy meal.

The swell shark is considered to be of miniscule importance in commercial fisheries, but may be occasionally caught in gillnets. It is currently listed as being of “least concern” by the IUCN, and the populations seem to be little affected by human activities besides the incidental recreational catches.

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Most commercial fishermen I have spoken to have never seen the bigeye sixgill shark, only describing it as being “pretty dang rare in these parts.” I do know, however, of other fishermen who have caught one on occasion.

The bigeye sixgill shark is a small species, with a maximum reported size just under 6 feet, with weights reaching about 44 lbs. Other sharks in this family can grow to lengths reaching 20 to 25 feet, but this seems to be a smaller cousin of Hexanchus griseus, the bluntnose sixgill shark.

Like most of the species in this family, the bigeye appears to be slow-growing and can live for many more years than other sharks. They are usually a dusky gray to olive brown above and a dusky lighter color below, with individuals often having a white margin on the trailing edges of their fins.  Indicative characteristics of the bigeye include a blunted snout, a large mouth filled with unusually shaped teeth, and a single dorsal fin set far back on its body. Another distinguishing feature is that it has six gill slits, while most other species have five. A single dorsal fin and gill slits numbering more than five are indicative characteristics of the most ancient and primitive of sharks.

Live specimens are also known to possess eyes that have a greenish glow to them, as do most of the deepwater sharks. The Bigeye is primarily a deepwater species, inhabiting the insular continental shelves throughout the world to depths of 295 to 1,970 feet. During the day, it often rests on or near the bottom, but is known to venture closer to the surface at night. Juveniles are sometimes found closer to shore. Like many of the deepwater species, little is known about its reproductive behavior. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, as food items are often scarce in such deep areas of the ocean. It’s thought to eat bony fish, such as flounder and cod, along with crustaceans and squid. It may also be an ambush predator, owing to its slow but strong swimming ability. As with most sharks, nearly anything that will fit into its mouth is fair game, but it seems to prefer the carrion that makes its way to the depths in which it lives, and its teeth are perfectly adapted to grasping and tearing off chunks of flesh. One specimen was even known to have remnants of a tuna in its stomach, and this has led scientists to believe that the bigeye may feed at the surface as well as in the dark ocean depths.

This species is not classified as a threat to humans, and no attacks have ever been reported, most likely due to the near impossibility of humans entering its habitat.

The bigeye sixgill is considered of minor importance in commercial fisheries of areas of the world, and is caught infrequently in commercial longline and deepwater trawl fisheries. It is not currently listed as being of “near threatened” or “vulnerable” by the IUCN, which may be due to the lack of knowledge of worldwide populations.

For more information visit:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

http://fishbase.org

By Bloody Bill

So… How can I put my feelings about the past year into words? Before I tackle the shark issue, I’d like speak my peace for a moment. 2008 was a tough year for many of us; I myself to a break from things for a while. Sometimes not easy being from the beach; there are friends who’ve passed away, friends who’ve been incarcerated, and friends who need our help. We also have friends who try to pull us together whether it be through phone calls, a certain beachside publication, or with the beer they buy us if we happen to see them out. Ya’ll know who you are. I’d just like to thank all of you who’ve been there  throughout the years and have kept many of us sane and out of trouble. We are beachside residents, and we know what it means to call each other friends. So to all of you: the Slater family, the staff of the Resident, the crew at Taco City, Velez, the Super family, Rhett and the boys at Rusty’s, Tim Hawk and the kids, PJ and Gordo and Summer — I love you all.

Now on to the sharks. This is a shark I don’t really know much about. Summer suggested it, so I’ll give her due props. This is one crazy-looking shark, and I’ll do my best to fill in its background.  I give you Echinorhinus cookei, the prickly shark.

I’ve encountered this shark firsthand, but it’s one that has intrigued me for some time.
The prickly shark is a medium-sized species, with a maximum reported size of about 6 feet. It gets its name from the bramble-like spikes found all over its skin. It’s a deep water shark, usually inhabiting the water column to depths of 1,100 meters. They often are a brownish to grayish-bronze above, and a creamy white below. Indicative characteristics of this shark include a dorsal fin that is set very far back on its body and thorn-like denticles similar to those of roses covering its entire body. They have a wide, stocky snout and body as well as large jaws.

This shark is considered a truly rare species, and usually only found in the deep water open oceans. It dwells in Pacific waters near the north coast of Australia and Japan, and is seldom found off the coast of California. In 1994, however, a specimen was actually retrieved in California waters and an attempt was made to keep it in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It remained for about a week before being released back into its habitat. Food habits suggest that the prickly shark feeds on many species of deep ocean fishes such as squid, octopi, deep water shrimp, and other sharks. The prickly shark is not a threat to humans.

These sharks are considered of miniscule importance to both commercial and recreational fisheries alike, and are rarely caught in open ocean longlines throughout the world. They are not currently listed by the IUCN, but I believe that this is due to a lack of accurate information by U.S. fisheries.

Like all sharks, this species is an integral part of our ecosystem and deserves our continued respect, conservation, and admiration.

Mahalo,

Bloody Bill

For more information visit:

www.fishbase.org

Ctenorhinus maximus, the Basking Shark

Well, looks like the nice weather we had last week was just a tease. Why won’t it just cool down already? It was during one of those nice evenings that I began to think about this month’s species.

There are so many species of shark out there, and I am but one guy. I’d always wanted to see every shark in existence at least once, and this is one I long to encounter. I do have a friend who’s seen one with his own eyes, though. It was he who first told me the story of this amazing creature. He encountered a basking shark during a longline swordfishing trip near the Grand Banks, when the crew of the vessel spotted something off the port side. As it got closer, it was clear that it was an especially large example of Ctenorhinus maximus, the basking shark.

The basking shark is the second largest fish on the planet. Specimens regularly reach sizes of 22 to 29 feet, and may reach lengths of up to 40 feet. Like most of the large species, this shark grows at an extremely slow rate, due to its dwelling in cold water. It’s characterized by its extremely large, heavy-set body which gives it a sluggish appearance and movement. Usually a grayish-brown color, the basking shark can range from gray to an almost black color on its dorsal area, with lighter coloring below. It has a large, conical snout, a huge mouth with small teeth, and very small eyes. The gill openings are large as well, nearly encircling both sides of the its head.

The basking shark is usually found at the water’s surface, often in pairs or in schools of 100 individuals or more. They are considered highly migratory, and sightings correspond to the seasonal fluctuations of the plankton on which it principally feeds. Basking sharks typically appear off the coasts of North Carolina to New York in the spring, gradually move off the coasts of New England and Canada in the late summer months, and disappear from our coasts during autumn and winter.

According to the International Shark Attack File, the basking shark has never been implicated on an attack on humans. This species is a plankton feeder, and is generally not considered dangerous to humans.  Its massive size and powerful caudal fin do pose a small danger to divers and boaters however. Anyone attempting to get close to this species should exercise caution. The basking shark has often been linked to reports of sea serpents and the decaying carcasses were often offered up as proof of the existence of these mythical creatures. It has been hunted throughout the world for its meat, fins and oil. With the exception of China and Japan, fishing operations for this species have nearly ceased.

The basking shark is currently categorized as “Vulnerable” throughout its range and “Endangered” in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean regions by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations which assesses the conservation status of various species.

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/baskingshark/baskingshark.html

Squatina dumeril, the Atlantic Angel Shark

Ah, to be back out on the high seas again. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face. Waking up early, working hard all day, and going to bed with fish guts covering nearly every inch of your body. I have to say, I do miss that lifestyle. There’s something about being out at sea that gets into your blood, and once it’s there, it’s almost impossible to get rid of.

Recently, I had the opportunity to return to offshore work in the Gulf of Mexico, and although it was for only ten days or so, it was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve had since I left nearly two years ago. This was a research trip, and we used trawls similar to shrimping vessels. I was able to see many critters I’d never seen before, and some I hadn’t seen in many years. One such critter almost took a finger off a colleague of mine (Sorry, Jenna) and also happens to be this month’s species. It bears no resemblance to its name, Squatina dumeril, the Atlantic angel shark.

The Atlantic angel shark is another one of those unusual shark species. It’s considered one of the smaller-sized sharks, with maximum lengths reaching around 72 inches, although they are usually found at considerably smaller sizes.  This is unlike most other sharks in its general appearance, though like most others, it is dark above and whitish below. Distinctive characteristics include two similar-sized dorsal fins which are set close together and very far back toward the tail. Both the head and body shape are extremely flattened, and the pectoral and pelvic fins are large and broad. The teeth of the Atlantic angel are very long and pointed, and have been described as being like “enlarged fangs.”

They’re found along the Atlantic coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as certain areas of the Caribbean and off the coast of Colombia. They are usually found along these coastal areas in depths of about 130 to 4232 feet buried in the sand or mud. Primarily an ambush hunter, the Atlantic angel waits covered in sand until an unsuspecting fish or invertebrate ventures near. But despite these bursts of energy, it is usually considered a sluggish species, and is most likely to be found resting on the bottom. It has been reported to feed on primarily on squid, octopi, and crustaceans, as well as species of reef fish. Like most other sharks, especially the ambush predators, anything that comes near its mouth is fair game — even other sharks.

This species isn’t generally aggressive, but it will attack if provoked. Often this occurs after being mistakenly stepped on, or by divers putting limbs too close to its mouth. Like the nurse sharks of our waters, this species is reluctant to release once it has bitten down, and the extremely sharp teeth can inflict a nasty wound. According to the International Shark Attack File, there has never been an attack in the past by the Atlantic angel shark on humans. That said, however, there have almost certainly been attacks on those careless enough to get a finger or a hand close enough to its mouth.
Atlantic angel sharks are found in our area, but usually further offshore. I’ve mostly seen and heard reports of this species in the Gulf of Mexico. The flesh of this shark is considered quite tasty to those I’ve spoken to, and it is occasionally caught in commercial fishing gear. Currently, they are considered a protected species and possession is against the law. This shark is currently listed as “Data Deficient” in its range in our area by the IUCN.

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/AtlanticAngel/AtlanticAngel.html

That’s what I used, they really know their stuff.

Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.

Looks like the sharks are at it again in the New Smyrna Beach area. Just recently: three attacks in one week.
Although this is nothing new to us locals, it seems that every year the media scares the crap out of the tourists by airing amazing stories of these attacks. Photos even surfaced of sharks jumping out of the water behind some guys in the lineup. Yours truly was contacted by the media to validate the authenticity of these photos, and actually appeared on the top story of the evening news that Friday. I had reported this in an article of the Resident in June, 2006. As sharks make the news this time of year, I like to report on sharks that can and have attacked humans in the past. One such species that has made a reputation for itself, especially in the Bahamas, is Carcharhinus perezi, the Caribbean reef shark.
As its name implies, the Caribbean reef shark is found primarily around reefs in the Caribbean and South America. It is rare to see this shark north of the Florida Keys, but I have caught one near the Miami area. As well as inhabiting nearshore reef environments, they are often found near drop-offs along the outer edges of its environment to depths of around 100 feet. They are occasionally found lying motionless in coral caves on the ocean bottom. They reach maximum lengths of about 9-1/2 feet.

Caribbean reef sharks are colored similarly to most others, with a dark brownish gray dorsal area and lighter underbelly. Distinguishing characteristics are dusky undersides of their fins, a small ridge between their dorsal fins, and relatively large gill slits. They have a blunt, rounded head with large eyes and a wide mouth that is filled with slightly serrated teeth with wide bases. This species, like most others, will eat nearly anything it can fit into its mouth, but usually prefers small bony fishes. I have personally observed this shark feeding on smaller sharks which were caught on our longlines.
This shark, in my opinion, is quite dangerous. They’ve been implicated in 29 unprovoked attacks worldwide according to the International Shark Attack File, and four of these have resulted in fatalities. The Caribbean reef shark is the primary species seen in many “shark dive tours” in the Bahamas. Some of my colleagues have theorized that these sharks have begun to associate food with their encounters with divers. As a result, many of the recent attacks have been on divers, especially those spear fishing. A Caribbean reef shark will often show physical signs that it is about to attack — signs like an arched back, downturned pectoral fins and a condition known as “gaping,” which is an opening and closing of the mouth while passing closely to a diver. Caribbean reef sharks are not commonly found in our area, but they have been seen at times.
This species is currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is one of the prohibited species to possess in the United States. It is commercially fished in other countries, and the meat, the fins, and jaws are all used. Even though these sharks have been implemented in several attacks, they are an integral part of the world’s ecosystem. They deserve our continued admiration, respect and conservation.
Mahalo,
Bloody Bill

For more information visit:
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/CReefShark/CReefShark.htm
Many thanks to the University of Florida for the use of their extensive databases.
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