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Hardnose shark

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Hardnose shark

The first dorsal fin of the hardnose shark has a long rear tip which separates from the body. A weak interdorsal fin is sometimes present. The small second dorsal fin has long free rear tips and the origin of this fin is behind the anal fin origin
A map showing the distribution of the hardnose shark, which is found north of Brisbane on the east coast and north of Carnarvon on the west coast
Distribution of the hardnose shark.
The snout of the hardnose shark is long, narrow, stiff and pointed. The labial furrows are short and inconspicuous
The snout is long, narrow, stiff and pointed. The labial furrows are short and inconspicuous.
Pictures: Jason Stapley
The upper teeth of the hardnose shark are smooth and narrow. The central cusp is almost erect with strong serrations basally.
The upper teeth are smooth and narrow, with an almost erect central cusp with strong serrations basally.

Scientific name

Carcharhinus macloti. CAAB code: 37 018025
Family

Whaler
Other names

None
Frequent misidentifications

Milk shark (Rhizoprionodon acutus), grey sharpnose shark (R. oligolinx), Australian sharpnose shark (R. taylori), sliteye shark (L. macrorhinus), spinner shark - drab form (C. brevipinna).
Description
  • small slender whaler
  • bronze on the upper surface and pale underneath
  • pale stripe along the flanks
  • distinguished by location of origin of second dorsal fin behind origin of anal fin. Rhizoprionodon spp. and Loxodon macrorhinus share this feature, however the hardnose shark has almost erect upper teeth with strong serrations basally while the other species have oblique upper teeth without strong serrations.
Distribution

Inshore/offshore
Size

45 to at least 110 cm.
Fisheries

Gillnet fisheries

Further information

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Page maintained by Cassie France
Last reviewed 02 March 2009

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