Daggernose Shark
Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The daggernose shark is a little-known species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae. It inhabits shallow tropical waters off northeastern South America, from Trinidad to northern Brazil, favoring muddy habitats such as mangroves, estuaries, and river mouths, though it is intolerant of fresh water. A relatively small shark typically reaching 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length, the daggernose shark is unmistakable for its elongated, flattened, and pointed snout, tiny eyes, and large paddle-shaped pectoral fins.
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.
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.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in CARCHARHINIDAE
Threatened in Brazil
Frequently asked questions
Why is Daggernose Shark classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Daggernose Shark live?
What are the main threats to Daggernose Shark?
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