| Brazilian sharpnose shark | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Division: | Selachii |
| Order: | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family: | Carcharhinidae |
| Genus: | Rhizoprionodon |
| Species: | R. lalandii |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhizoprionodon lalandii (J. P. Müller &Henle, 1839) | |
TheBrazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) is arequiem shark of thefamilyCarcharhinidae. It is found in thetropical waters of the westernAtlantic Ocean between latitudes13° N and33° S, at depths between 3 and 70 m. It has been recorded in the following countries:Aruba,Brazil,Colombia,French Guiana,Guyana,Panama,Suriname,Trinidad and Tobago andVenezuela. It can reach a length of 77 cm. It is considered a vulnerable species in Brazil due to intensive fishing although it may actually classify at a higher level. The flesh is eaten for food but the fins are not used as they are too small. Other threats include water pollution from plastic litter and three specimens have been found with plastic collars on their head or gills. The shark feeds onteleostei andsquid. Research showed the shark may be an important predator ofdemersal andpelagic prey.[2]
| Rhizoprionodon lalandii | |
|---|---|
| Carcharias lalandii | |
