Smalltail Shark

Smalltail Shark

Carcharhinus porosus

Protected Status

ESA Candidate
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Region
Southeast

About the Species

Smalltail sharks are relatively small sharks—reaching a maximum length of about 5 ft. They are generally found in estuaries and nearshore waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from Brazil to the northern Gulf of Mexico, though they are generally absent throughout the Caribbean Islands. They tend to associate with the bottom and are generally found over mud substrates.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chondrichthyes
Order Carcharhiniformes
Family Carcharhinidae
Genus Carcharhinus
Species porosus

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/12/2023

In the Spotlight

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/12/2023

Management Overview

NOAA Fisheries initiated a status review of this species in May 2023 in response to a petition. This status review will be used to determine whether listing the tope shark as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. During this time, the smalltail shark is considered a candidate species under the ESA.

Key Actions and Documents

Actions & Documents

90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Smalltail Shark Under the Endangered Species Act

We, NOAA Fisheries, announce a positive 90-day finding on a petition to list the smalltail shark ( Carcharhinus porosus ) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The petitioner also requests that we designate critical habitat…
Notice
,
Southeast
Published

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/12/2023

Science Overview

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 06/12/2023