NC Shark Species Database

One of the largest sharks in the world, Basking Sharks are born 5-6 feet long and when at maturity, reaches sizes of 16-29 feet long. Males mature at 12-16 years old and females mature slower at 20 years old. The largest specimen found has been recorded to be 40 feet long. Being a slow surface swimmer, Basking Sharks can be seen in pairs and shivers up to 100 individuals and filter-feed on varieties of plankton. They can be seen migrating in North Carolina to New York in the spring and in New England to Canada in the summer but disappear in autumn and winter. Despite what many would consider an animal with an intimidating size and appearance, Basking Sharks have committed no bites in all recorded history. Despite this, they have been reported to attack boats in defense after being harpooned and unintentionally wound divers and scientists with their large dermal denticles. After a 3 yearlong gestation period, they can give birth to 5 pups at a time. As of 11/7/2018, this species has been classified as Endangered, and populations are decreasing despite being protected in the state of North Carolina due to shipping lanes, overfishing, and bycatch.

Little information exists about this exceptionally rare species. Males can reach lengths of up to 7.2 feet, while females can grow as large as 10.7 feet, with the largest recorded specimen measuring an impressive 12 feet. Bigeye Sandtiger Sharks inhabit tropical and warm temperate regions, ranging from southern Brazil to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and are occasionally found along eastern Florida, sometimes venturing as far north as the Carolinas during the summer months. Typically residing at depths between 200 and 3,280 feet, these sharks prefer to hunt near the surface at night, retreating to darker depths during the day. Their diet primarily consists of bony fish, mollusks, and squid. According to the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, the Bigeye Sandtiger Shark is classified as "Least Concern," although its population trend remains unknown due to insufficient data. Nevertheless, like many sharks, they face threats from bycatch and overfishing, particularly from those who overlook the fact that they are a state-protected species, with no recorded incidents of bites anywhere in the world.

At birth, the Bigeye Thresher Shark measures between 4.27 and 4.59 feet long. Males typically reach maturity at 9 to 10 years old, growing to lengths of 8.86 to 9.45 feet. In contrast, females mature more slowly, at 12 to 14 years, and can grow larger, ranging from 10.9 to 11.7 feet. The maximum recorded age for males is 19 years, while females have been observed to live up to 20 years. The largest specimens can reach impressive sizes of 16 feet in length and weigh up to 759.8 pounds. This species is found in warm, temperate, and tropical oceanic and coastal waters from New York to Florida. Bigeye Threshers prefer both shallow and open waters that range in temperature from 61 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, often residing at depths of up to 500 feet. Their diet primarily consists of squids, crustaceans, and bony fishes, including tunas, hakes, lancetfishes, herrings, and juvenile billfishes. While there is no defined gestation period for the Bigeye Thresher, it is known to give birth to between 2 and 4 pups at a time. As of November 6, 2018, this species was classified as Vulnerable due to declining populations caused by overfishing and bycatch, despite protections established by North Carolina's laws.

One of the smallest species in the Carolinas, Black Dogfish have been known to start life at 6 inches long. At sexual maturity, males have reached 21.7 inches with females at 25.6 inches in length. Average sizes for this species range from 23.6 inches to 29.5 inches while the largest specimen found to be at 35 inches long. This docile animal dines on varieties of bony fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, scyphozoans, and euphausiids while inhabiting deep arctic waters of 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit and depths as deep as 5,250 feet from Greenland to the Gulf of Mexico. Birthing 4-40 pups at a time, there is no recorded or defined information on the gestation, breeding, or mating behaviors of this animal. Despite being seen as a low concern for endangerment and stable populations, this shark faces threats of overfishing and bycatch. Though no recorded bites have been done by this animal, the state government of North Carolina has no laws regarding the Black Dogfish.

Though a worldwide animal, this information covers only the local Atlantic populations.

At birth, Blacktip sharks measure 20 to 26 inches and stay in shallow nursery grounds until maturity. Males typically grow to 4.8 feet and weigh about 43 pounds by ages 4 to 5, while females reach 5.2 feet and 55 pounds by ages 6 to 7. The largest recorded specimen was 8 feet long and 15 years old. Mating occurs from March to June, during which Blacktips form large, gender-segregated groups called shivers. They hunt a variety of prey, including herrings, sardines, and crustaceans, and also scavenge from fishing vessels. Blacktip sharks inhabit bays, reefs, and estuaries, found around oceanic islands, beaches, and river mouths. They migrate from Cape Cod and Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico but are one of the most frequent sharks in the Carolina's. After a gestation of 11 to 12 months, females give birth to 3 to 5 pups. Despite only 35 recorded non-fatal bites worldwide, this species is considered vulnerable, facing threats from habitat destruction, climate change, overfishing, and bycatch. In North Carolina, Blacktip sharks are legally hunted all year round with no size limitations.

Renowned as one of the fastest shark species, Blue Sharks are born measuring between 3 and 19 inches. Mature males can grow to 6 to 7 feet in 4 to 6 years, while females can reach up to 7 feet. The largest recorded Blue Shark was 12 feet long and around 20 years old.

They primarily feast every 24 hours at night on marine life including herrings, sardines, squids, cuttlefish, and octopi. While found worldwide, they prefer cooler open waters ranging from 53 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, often at depths of up to 1,148 feet.

Pups are born in spring and summer in litters of 30 to 80. As of November 6, 2018, Blue Sharks are classified as Near Threatened due to bycatch and overfishing, especially from longlines and driftnets. About 20 million Blue Sharks are harvested annually, with North Carolina permitting year-round fishing.

Despite their fearsome reputation, Blue Sharks have only recorded 13 bites globally, with just four fatalities.

Measuring 0.7 to 1 foot at birth, the Bonnethead Shark is the smallest hammerhead shark species. Males typically mature at 20 to 30 inches, while females reach up to 33 inches. The largest recorded specimen was 59 inches long and weighed 24 pounds.

These small sharks inhabit waters from Rhode Island to Brazil, thriving in the warm shallows of the Carolinas during summer when temperatures reach 70°F. They are found along continental and insular shelves, reefs, estuaries, and shallow bays, usually in depths of 40 feet or less. During migrations, Bonnetheads actively follow temperature changes, often traveling in groups of hundreds or thousands.

As spawning season nears, groups segregate by gender, and after a 4 to 5 month gestation, females give birth to 4 to 14 pups in late summer and early autumn. In their first year, pups inhabit seagrass beds and primarily feed on seagrasses. As one of the few omnivorous sharks, Bonnetheads also eat worms, mollusks, small fish, pink shrimp, mantis shrimp, and blue crabs.

Despite being classified as endangered due to declining populations as of July 19, 2019, North Carolina allows year-round hunting of Bonnetheads. Their endangerment is due to overfishing, bycatch, habitat destruction, aquaculture, and various recreational activities.

This fascinating species of shark, both literally and figuratively illuminating, can be found from North Carolina to Florida, inhabiting the outer continental shelves and upper-middle slopes at depths between 230 and 328 feet. They begin life in litters of 2 to 3 pups, each measuring around 2.2 to 2.4 inches at birth, and they can grow to a maximum length of 13.7 inches. This small shark primarily feeds on shrimp, squid, and crustaceans. As of June 21, 2019, it is classified as "Least Concern" with a stable population, showing no significant threats or recorded bites. However, it is worth noting that the state of North Carolina currently has no laws or regulations specifically addressing this species.

Bull Sharks are often regarded as one of the most dangerous shark species known to mankind due to their high testosterone levels. These formidable creatures can thrive in a range of environments, adapting seamlessly to fresh and brackish waters, as well as saltwater habitats that extend from 3 to 450 feet deep. You can find them lurking in an array of locations including rivers, ponds, lakes, creeks, streams, estuaries, bays, harbors, lagoons, and river mouths. They are also commonly spotted in shallow coastal waters that are less than 100 feet deep. Because of their wide diversity in habitats, Bull Sharks are one of the most common shark species in North Carolina. At birth, Bull Sharks measure approximately 2-3 feet in length. They generally reach sexual maturity between the ages of 15 and 20 years. Males typically grow to be 5-7 feet long, maturing at around 14-15 years, while females can be larger, ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet and attaining maturity by the age of 18. The largest Bull Shark ever recorded was nearly 25 years old, weighing in at an impressive 698 pounds and measuring 13 feet in length. Given their diverse habitats, Bull Sharks boast a varied diet. They have been observed feeding on an assortment of prey, including mullets, tarpons, catfish, menhaden, gars, snook, snapper, jack, mackerel, stingray, sea turtles, dolphins, crabs, shrimp, seabirds, squid, and even smaller sharks, including their own species. A typical female Bull Shark can give birth to anywhere from 1 to 13 pups after a gestation period of 10 to 11 months. Bull Sharks hold the dubious distinction of having the third-highest number of recorded bites, totaling 119, with 26 resulting in fatalities and 93 in non-fatal injuries. As of November 24, 2020, Bull Sharks have been classified as vulnerable to endangerment due to factors such as habitat loss, overfishing, bycatch, storms, flooding, and industrial development and pollution. In North Carolina, state officials permit the hunting of Bull Sharks year-round and allow fishers to catch up to 55 individuals per vessel per voyage.

Commonly found from Florida and the Caribbeans to the Gulf of Mexico and Southern Brazil, Caribbean Reef Sharks have often been seen wandering into the Carolinas. Born less than 2.5 feet long, mature males reach maturity at 5-5.5 feet long and females are measured 6.3-9.6 feet long, being the largest of the species. This species is known to feed on varieties of bony fishes, squid, crustaceans like crabs, and rays such as eagle rays and yellow stingrays. After a 12 month long gestation period, Caribbean Reef Sharks are born into litters of 4-6 pups. This predator has only four total recorded bites none of which were fatal. Assessed to be endangered and decreasing as of July 1st, 2019, Caribbean Reef Sharks face threats from invasive species and diseases, habitat shifting, extreme temperature changes, storms, floodings, residential and commercial developments, and pollutions from wastewater, agricultural and forestry effluents. Despite this, Caribbean Reef Sharks are a protected species in North Carolina, but still need conservational help regardless.

While the average size of Cuban Dogfish is 19.7-29.5 inches, the largest specimen measured to be 43.3 inches long. Forming dense shivers in warm and tropical waters of 200-2400 feet deep, Cuban Dogfish have been observed from North Carolina and Florida to the Gulf of Mexico and Argentina along outer continental shelves. Feeding on small bony fishes, squids, and shrimps, this shark has caused no recorded bites. With a slow reproduction rate of 2 pups at a time, Cuban Dogfish are surprisingly increasing and is classified as a least concern as of June 21, 2019. Despite this, they still are threatened by oil drilling, overfishing, and bycatch. To add insult to injury, North Carolina state government officials have yet create any regulations or bylaws regarding this species.

Ranging from Nova Scotia to Cuba in shallow inshore waters to continental shelf and oceanic waters, shivers of Dusky Sharks are segregated by sizes and gender. At birth they measure 1.6-3.3 feet long with males maturing at 16-23 years old and 9.1 feet long and females 16-22 years old and 8.4-9.8 feet long. While the average Dusky Shark measures 10 feet in length, the largest specimen found was 13.8 feet long and weighing 765 pounds. With a wide variety of prey, Dusky Shark hunt starfishes, crustaceans. marine mammals, cuttlefishes, octopi, squids, sardines, tunas, eels, mackerels, sea turtles, and carrion. After 18-22 gestation period, Dusky Sharks are born into litters of 3-16 pups. This species has only been responsible for 2 bites and only one of which was fatal. As of November 6, 2018, Dusky Sharks are listed as endangered and decreasing due to overfishing and bycatch. Despite this, Dusky Sharks are protected from harvesting in North Carolina. 

Finetooth Sharks are born at 20-25 inches long, maturing males reach 3.9 feet long and females 4.6 feet long. Largest male specimen reaches 5-7.4 feet and largest female 5.9-7.5 feet long, but the largest specimen being 11.1 feet long. Inhabiting in North Carolina estuaries, lagoons, bays, off river mouths, and other shallow waters during warm summer months and migrates south to Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico when temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Finetooth Sharks prey on cephalopods, crustaceans, and small bony fishes such as mullets, Spanish mackerels, spots, and Atlantic menhaden. After a year long pregnancy, Finetooths give birth to 1-13 pups in late May to mid-June. As of July 1, 2019, Finetooth Sharks are Near Threatened due to overfishing and bycatch despite strangely having stable populations. Despite being not responsible for any recorded bites, this shark is permitted by the North Carolina state government to be hunted all year around.

Great Hammerhead Sharks are born measuring between 2 to 2.3 feet in length. Males typically mature to 7.4 feet and weigh around 113 pounds, while females reach about 6.9 feet and weigh approximately 90 pounds. The largest recorded specimen grew to an impressive 20 feet long, weighing 1,000 pounds, and these sharks can live between 20 to 30 years. Commonly found in shallow coastal areas such as lagoons and continental shelves, Great Hammerheads inhabit waters from North Carolina to Uruguay, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions, usually at depths of up to 260 feet. These sharks are known to migrate in large schools towards cooler waters. Within their range, Great Hammerhead Sharks primarily prey on lobsters, crabs, squids, and octopuses. They also hunt rays and smaller sharks, including Grey Reef and Smoothhound Sharks. Their diet extends to various bony fishes, such as tarpons, sardines, catfishes, toadfishes, porgies, jacks, croakers, groupers, flatfishes, boxfishes, and porcupine fishes. Great Hammerheads breed approximately every two years, with a gestation period of about 11 months. They give birth in the spring or summer, typically delivering a litter of 6 to 42 pups. Although there have been 18 recorded bite incidents involving this species worldwide, none have resulted in fatalities. Unfortunately, the Great Hammerhead Shark is classified as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED and its population is DECREASING, as of November 9, 2018, mainly due to overfishing, bycatch, and finning. Despite the risk of extinction, North Carolina Marine Fisheries permit the harvesting of this species throughout the year.

The Greenland Shark is the longest-living vertebrate on the planet, with a remarkable lifespan that may reach up to 512 years. This exceptional longevity makes it the animal with the world's longest life expectancy.

Starting life at about 15 inches, Greenland Sharks grow to an impressive 8 to 14 feet in length, with some individuals reaching a maximum size of 21 to 24 feet. These remarkable sharks can be found in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic, diving as deep as 7,218 feet in temperatures ranging from 34 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Their habitat stretches as far south as Cape Cod and down to North Carolina.

With a diverse diet, the Greenland Shark preys on various marine life, including small sharks, skates, eels, herrings, capelins, chars, redfishes, sculpins, lumpfishes, flounders, wolffishes, and even terrestrial animals like reindeer and horses. They also consume seals, porpoises, carrion, and numerous species of gadoids. Despite their varied menu, there have been no recorded bites from this species.

As of June 20, 2019, the Greenland Shark has been classified as vulnerable and is experiencing population declines due to habitat changes, overfishing, and bycatch.

The Iceland Catshark reaches maturity at a length of 1.6 to 1.96 feet, with the largest recorded specimen measuring up to 2.5 feet. This small species inhabits deep waters along the continental shelves, ranging from Massachusetts and Delaware to the Gulf of Mexico, including areas off the Carolinas. Although little is known about its reproductive habits, the Iceland Catshark boasts a varied diet that includes squids, bony fishes, lugworms, clam worms, crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. As of June 19, 2019, this species is classified as having stable populations, falling under the "least concern" category regarding its risk of endangerment. However, it remains vulnerable due to potential threats from bycatch and overfishing.

One of the most studied species, Lemon Sharks start life at 20-24 inches in length, mature at 12-13 years old and 7.3-7.7 feet long, and the maximum specimen found measured at 8-10 feet, 551 pounds, and 27 years old. This requiem shark can be found in subtropical shallows at depths of 300 feet around coral reefs, mangroves, enclosed bays, sounds, and river mouths from New Jersey to Southern Brazil. It is common for Lemon Sharks to be seen near piers and docks at night hunting for prey then returning to the depths during daylight. Due to being a heavily studied animal, knowledge of its diet is very plentiful. This predator hunts seabirds, crabs, lobsters, crayfish, skates, guitarfish, stingrays, eagle rays, groupers, cowfishes, porcupine fishes, croakers, jacks, mullets, catfishes, and smaller sharks. After a 10-12 month gestation period, the average female Lemon Shark can give birth to 4-17 pups per litter. From 1850 to present day, Lemon Sharks have only caused 10 bites, none of which were fatal. As of September 4, 2020, this species has been listed as vulnerable and decreasing due to aquaculture, overfishing, and bycatch. In North Carolina, this species is legally allowed to be hunted all year around with up to 55 individuals harvested at a time per vessel.

Measured at 4-4.5 feet at birth, the Longfin Mako is a beautiful and fast animal in the waters of North Carolina. While males reach maturity at 7.5 feet in length, females reach lengths greater than 10 feet at maturity. The largest specimen measured to be 14 feet long. Though a not very well observed or studied species, Longfin Makos have been known to be found from Cape Cod to Cuba, where it was first described. Studies have shown that from May to October, Longfin Makos frequent the coastal waters of North Carolina, supposedly following water temperatures. So far, it has been observed that Longfin Makos have a diet that consists of squids, swordfishes, and schooling fishes such as tunas and mackerels. With much little known about their reproduction, Longfin Makos give birth to 2-8 pups per litter. It is believed that the rarity of this species is a result of the shark's endangerment and decreasing populations that have been assessed as recently as November 5, 2018. The causes of their endangerment has been determined to be due to overfishing and bycatch. Though thankfully, Longfin Makos are considered a protected species in North Carolina, this species is still in dire need of conservational impact.

Nurse Sharks are among the most studied species both in the wild and in captivity. At birth, these fascinating creatures measure around 11 to 12 inches long. Males typically reach maturity at 10 to 15 years of age, growing to lengths of 6.8 to 7 feet, while females mature more slowly, at 15 to 20 years and 7.5 to 7.8 feet long. The largest recorded Nurse Shark reached an impressive 10 feet and was estimated to be between 25 to 30 years old. These sluggish, nocturnal sharks prefer to rest during the day on sandy bottoms or in shallow caves, grottos, and rock crevices. At night, they can be observed near the ocean floor or exploring the seabed. Larger individuals often inhabit deeper reefs and rocky environments, with recorded depths ranging from 10 to 246 feet during the day, and down to 65 feet at night. Juvenile Nurse Sharks, however, favor shallower waters found in coral reefs, seagrass flats, or around mangrove forests and islands, typically at depths of 3 to 13 feet. As one of the few omnivorous shark species, Nurse Sharks boast a diverse diet that includes shrimp, lobsters, crabs, clams, oysters, squid, octopus, sea urchins, conchs, snails, algae, corals, and various reef fish like grunts, snappers, and lizardfishes. After a gestation period of 5 to 6 months, females give birth to 20 to 30 pups per litter, usually in late spring or early summer. Despite their robust nature, Nurse Sharks are considered docile, with only nine recorded bites, none of which were fatal. However, as of July 5, 2019, Nurse Sharks have been classified as vulnerable due to declining populations. Their main threats include industrial development, overfishing, bycatch, recreational activities, wastewater pollution, agricultural runoff, habitat loss, extreme temperature variations, and commercial expansion. In North Carolina, the state's marine fisheries permit the legal harvesting of Nurse Sharks year-round, allowing fishermen to catch up to 55 individuals per vessel.

The Porbeagle Shark, a smaller relative of the notorious Great White Shark, is born measuring between 2.2 and 2.6 feet in length. Male Porbeagles reach sexual maturity at approximately 5.4 to 6.8 feet and around 8 years of age, while females mature at a size of 7.6 to 8.5 feet and at about 13 years. The largest documented specimen reached an impressive 12 feet long, weighed 500 pounds, and was around 30 years old. This species thrives both in coastal and open ocean environments, with populations found from New Jersey and South Carolina up to Greenland and Canada. They inhabit depths as profound as 2,346 feet, with water temperatures ranging from 34 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. One notable aspect of Porbeagle Sharks is their seasonal prey variation. In spring, they typically hunt lancetfishes, herrings, sauries, squids, and mackerels. During the autumn, their diet shifts to include squids, cods, flounders, lumpsuckers, and sand lances. Porbeagle Sharks exhibit a migratory behavior, forming groups called ‘shivers’ that segregate by size and gender. Mating occurs from autumn to winter, with a gestation period of 8 to 9 months, after which they give birth in the spring and summer. Litters generally consist of 1 to 6 pups. Considered a low-risk species, Porbeagle Sharks are responsible for only two recorded non-fatal bites. Unfortunately, their populations have been classified as vulnerable and are declining, primarily due to overfishing and bycatch, as noted since November 6, 2018. In North Carolina, there are currently no restrictions on harvesting or size limits for hunting these sharks.

Roughtail Catsharks typically measure between 27 and 31 inches in length, making them a moderately sized species within their family. They reside in the upper continental and insular slopes, primarily near the ocean floor, stretching from North Carolina all the way to the Gulf of Mexico at substantial depths ranging from 958 to 2,401.5 feet. In this particular habitat, these sharks primarily feed on a diet consisting mainly of shrimp and other small marine creatures that inhabit the seabed. As of June 21, 2019, they are classified as a species of least concern, with stable populations observed across their distribution range. Currently, there is no confirmed data regarding any potential threats to their population or specific details about their reproductive behaviors and habits. Notably, there have been no recorded bites attributed to this species anywhere in the world, which further underscores their non-aggressive nature and the lack of danger they pose to humans.

The Sand Tiger Shark is a familiar presence in both captivity and local waters, making it one of the most widely recognized shark species. Born at a length of 39 inches, these sharks typically mature to about 6.5 feet and can live between 30 to 35 years. The largest recorded male reached 9.9 feet, while the largest female measured an impressive 10.5 feet. This species inhabits a range of environments, including surf zones, shallow bays, coral reefs, and rocky bottoms, from Maine down to Argentina, typically found at depths between 6 and 626 feet. Due to their extensive range, Sand Tiger Sharks have a diverse diet, feeding on various prey such as herrings, bluefish, eels, mullets, flatfish, snapper, hake, porgy, croaker, bonito, remora, sea bass, sea robin, rays, squid, lobsters, crabs, and even other sharks. After a gestation period of 9 to 12 months, Sand Tiger Sharks give birth to only two pups at a time. This low number is due to a unique reproductive strategy where the first pup to fully develop consumes the less mature embryos and unfertilized eggs within the uterus. Despite their formidable appearance, Sand Tiger Sharks have resulted in no recorded fatalities, with only 36 bites reported globally. However, as of December 7, 2020, this species has been classified as critically endangered, facing ongoing threats from habitat alteration, overfishing, bycatch, and residential and commercial development. While Sand Tiger Sharks are a protected species in North Carolina, urgent conservation efforts are still essential to ensure their survival.

Sharpnose Sevengill Sharks are born at a length of approximately 0.8 feet. Males typically mature between 2.4 and 2.8 feet, while females reach maturity at lengths of 3 to 3.3 feet. The largest males can grow to 4.5 feet, and the largest females can measure up to 4.6 feet. These deepwater predators inhabit the outer continental and insular shelves, thriving at depths ranging from 84 to 3,280 feet, in waters extending from North Carolina to Mexico. In this environment, Sharpnose Sevengill Sharks primarily feed on a variety of prey, including shrimp, crabs, lobsters, squid, cuttlefish, other sharks, rays, and hake. Although there is no defined reproductive season, studies indicate that a single female can give birth to between 9 and 20 pups per litter. Notably, there have been no recorded shark bites attributed to this species. As of November 21, 2019, Sharpnose Sevengill Sharks are classified as near threatened, with their populations declining due to overfishing and bycatch.

Measuring between 30 to 50 inches in length, the Shortspine Spurdog shark is primarily found in waters stretching from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and down to Argentina. This species inhabits the upper slopes and continental and insular shelves in temperate and subtropical regions. Although little is known about their reproductive habits, studies show that their diet includes hakes, snoeks, conger eels, lanternfish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Notably, due to their relatively small size, Shortspine Spurdogs have not been linked to any unprovoked bites worldwide. As of November 21, 2019, this species has been classified as endangered, with populations declining because of bycatch and overfishing. Currently, there are no specific laws or restrictions in North Carolina to protect or harvest Shortspine Spurdogs.

Smalltooth Sand Tiger Sharks typically reach lengths of 12 to 17 feet. They inhabit warm-temperate and tropical deep waters, found from Delaware down to southeastern North Carolina, along the continental and insular shelves, and upper slopes at depths ranging from 33 to 3,330 feet. While little is known about their reproductive habits, they are believed to be quite similar to those of the Sand Tiger Shark. Their diet includes a wide variety of prey, such as crabs, lobsters, squids, octopuses, shrimp, rockfish, rays, chimaeras, and isopods. Notably, Smalltooth Sand Tiger Sharks have no recorded incidents of unprovoked bites worldwide. However, as of June 1, 2023, they are classified as endangered due to declining populations from overfishing and bycatch. Currently, there are no specific laws or regulations protecting this species in North Carolina. Nevertheless, given their similarity to the Sand Tiger Shark, which is often protected, it is assumed that Smalltooth Sand Tiger Sharks are afforded similar levels of conservation consideration.

Often mistaken for its larger relative, the Great Hammerhead Shark, the Smooth Hammerhead Shark is born measuring between 20 and 24 inches. Males typically grow to lengths of 8.2 to 8.5 feet upon reaching sexual maturity, while females attain this stage at around 8.7 feet. The largest specimen recorded measures between 12 and 13 feet. Smooth Hammerhead Sharks inhabit waters from Canada to the Virgin Islands, favoring shallow depths of less than 65 feet near shores, continental shelves, and inshore areas such as bays and estuaries. They are occasionally spotted venturing into freshwater rivers. Similar to their relatives, the Great Hammerhead and Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Smooth Hammerhead Sharks have shown a total of 18 recorded bites with no fatalities linked to the species. Their diet primarily consists of herrings, menhadens, pilchards, seabasses, Spanish mackerels, squids, cuttlefishes, rays, other sharks, dolphins, crustaceans, and various carrion. As of November 8, 2018, Smooth Hammerhead Shark populations have been classified as vulnerable, facing a decline due to overfishing and bycatch. While North Carolina's fisheries implement strict rules regarding the harvesting of this species, it remains permissible to hunt them year-round, with a limit of up to 55 individuals per vessel.

The Spiny Dogfish are born measuring between 8 to 13 inches in length. Males typically reach maturity at 2 feet long and 6 years of age, while females mature at 2.5 feet long, 12 years old, and weigh between 7.1 and 9.9 pounds. The largest recorded male specimen was 3.25 feet long, and the biggest female reached 4 feet and weighed 21.6 pounds.

This species is native to both inshore and offshore waters along the continental shelves from Greenland to Argentina, thriving at depths of up to 2,950 feet. Spiny Dogfish can also inhabit brackish waters, but they are never found in freshwater. They are known to spend their winters in the coastal waters of North Carolina for mating and breeding. They are also often found traveling in large, migratory shivers.

Their diet is diverse, consisting of herrings, mackerels, menhadens, capelins, sand lances, wolf fishes, flatfishes, squids, jellyfishes, shrimps, crabs, octopuses, and sea cucumbers. After a gestation period of 17 to 19 months, a female can give birth to anywhere from 1 to 15 pups per litter, with an average of 6 to 7 pups.

Despite no recorded bites on humans, the Spiny Dogfish is classified as vulnerable and its population has been declining since November 21, 2019, primarily due to overfishing and bycatch. Currently, North Carolina permits the harvesting of this species without any restrictions year-round.

It is also important to highlight that Spiny Dogfish pups are often cruelly marketed in many beachwear stores, especially in the Carolinas, preserved in a jar containing 30% isopropyl alcohol and 70% water.

Tiger Sharks are one of the most recognized species in North Carolina and around the globe. Born at a length of 1 to 1.5 feet, they already possess their trademark spots and markings. Males typically mature between 7 and 9 feet, while females reach an average of 8 to 10 feet. On average, these formidable sharks measure between 10 and 14 feet in length and weigh between 850 and 1,400 pounds. However, the largest recorded Tiger Shark was an astonishing 18 feet long and weighed 2,000 pounds.

These sharks thrive in the murky coastal waters stretching from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. You can often find them in river estuaries, harbors, inlets, lagoons, and coral atolls of oceanic islands. While they often migrate to tropical waters during the winter months, they can also be spotted in temperate regions as temperatures rise in summer.

Often dubbed the "garbage can of the sea," Tiger Sharks are known for their indiscriminate diets—consuming an array of prey that includes carrion, sea turtles, rays, smaller sharks, bony fishes, squids, seabirds, dolphins, and crustaceans. After mating between March and May, a female Tiger Shark has a gestation period ranging from 13 to 16 months, giving birth to impressive litters of 10 to 82 pups between April and June.

Notorious for their involvement in shark bites, Tiger Sharks are classified among the "big three" with a total of 142 recorded bites, of which 39 were fatal. Despite being listed as near threatened and facing a population decline since August 10, 2018—largely due to bycatch and overfishing—North Carolina fisheries permit year-round hunting of this species, allowing fishermen to harvest up to 55 specimens per vessel.