NOAA Fisheries Fact Sheet

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are one of the most common shark species found inshore off the coast of Florida. Although the majority of shark bites in Florida are likely attributable to this species, there has never been a fatal attack credited to this species in this region.
Scientific name:

Carcharhinus limbatus
Distribution: What is an Apex Predator? Sharks are considered apex predators because they prey on many species lower onthe food chain, have few natural predators themselves, and are less abundant than their prey.Off the east coast of the United States blacktip sharks range from New England to Mexico but are most commonly found between North Carolina and Texas, especially in spring and summer.
Habitat: This shark inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries and offshore surface waters. Blacktip sharks use shallow inshore waters from South Carolina to Texas as nursery areas for their pups in spring and summer. They can be found in groups as young or adults feeding in shallow water.
Life history: This species is a relatively fast growing shark, reaching maturity at about 4-5 years of age and living longer than 10 years. Number of pups per litter is usually 4 to 6. Maximum size of blacktips off the U.S. eastern seaboard is about 6 feet in length
Management: Commercial and recreational fishing regulations are in place for this species in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, where they are part of the large coastal shark (LCS) management group. The status of blacktip sharks in the Atlantic is unknown, whereas the status of blacktip sharks in the Gulf of Mexico is that they are not currently overfished. In the Pacific, blacktip sharks are not landed in commercial or recreational fisheries and no management measures are in place for this species. Finning is prohibited for all shark species.

Fast Facts About Sharks

Sharks are vulnerable to fishing pressure because they:
  • Grow slowlyBlacktip Shark
  • Take many years to mature (12 to 18 years in some species)
  • Often reproduce only every other year
  • Have few young per brood (only 2 pups in some species)
  • Have specific requirements for nursery areas (bays and estuaries)
  • Are caught in many types of fishing gear (hook and line, gillnet, trawls, etc.)

Sharks have adaptations allowing them to be apex predators including:
  • Teeth that are replaced throughout their life
  • Sensitive smell receptors
  • Eyes that adapt quickly to low light levels
  • Lateral line receptors that sense movement in the water
  • Electroreceptors that detect electric and magnetic fields

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