Daggernose Shark
CR

Daggernose Shark

Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The daggernose shark faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing pressure in its limited range along the northern coast of South America. This species is particularly vulnerable to gillnet fisheries targeting other species, where it is frequently caught as bycatch. Its restricted distribution in shallow coastal waters of the Guianas and northern Brazil makes the entire population susceptible to localized fishing impacts and coastal development pressures.

Threat summary

Habitat

The daggernose shark inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths along the Atlantic coast from Venezuela to northern Brazil. This species prefers turbid waters with depths typically less than 40 meters, often found in areas with muddy substrates near river deltas.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislationCompliance and enforcement

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Daggernose Shark classified as Critically Endangered?
Daggernose Shark is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The daggernose shark faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing pressure in its limited range along the northern coast of South America. This species is particularly vulnerable to gillnet fisheries targeting other species, where it is frequently caught as bycatch. Its restricted distribution in shallow coastal waters of the Guianas and northern Brazil makes the entire population susceptible to localized fishing impacts and coastal development pressures.
Where does Daggernose Shark live?
Daggernose Shark occurs in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and United States (plus 1 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Daggernose Shark?
The main threats to Daggernose Shark are 2.1, 2.4, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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