Sharks of Onslow County Logo
Sharks of Onslow County
Blacktip Shark

Taxonomy & Biology

Taxonomy

Common Name(s): Blacktip shark, blackfin, black-tipped, small blacktip, spot-fin ground shark

Scientific Name: Carcharhinus limbatus

Classification

  • Kingdom:  Animalia
  • Subkingdom: Bilateria
  • Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
  • Class: Chondrichthyes
  • Subclass: Elasmobranchii
  • Superorder: Euselachii
  • Order: Carcharhiniformes
  • Family: Carcharhinidae
  • Genus: Carcharhinus
  • Species: limbatus

Biology

Population

Blacktip sharks are frequently found in the tropical to subtropical coastal and shelf waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. NOAA Fisheries stated in 1998, that this shark was once overfished and overfishing was occurring (NOAA, n. d.). Management measures were implemented to reduce the catch quota for commercial fisheries and recreational size and bag limits. In 2006, there was a determination that this species had two stocks - one in the Atlantic and the other in the Gulf of Mexico. By 2018, NOAA Fisheries announced that there was enough recovery of stock in the Gulf of Mexico to support lifting of the limits. In 2022, NOAA Fisheries stated that neither stock fishery was being overfished and overfishing was not occurring.

Body Size

The average adult size in southeastern waters is approximately 4.8 feet, with their maximum size being 8 feet (Florida Museum, 2025). Their size at birth is 20-26 inches. Age at maturity is 4-5 years for males, and 6-7 years for females.

Feeding & Diet

Blacktip sharks forage in shallower waters of less than 100 ft and prefer to hunt small schooling fishes by taking out prey as they move quickly through the school (Florida Museum, 2025). Their prey consist of schooling fishes, such as menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), mullet and anchovies. They will also eat other bony fishes such as, Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), Atlantic croaker (Micropongonias undulatus), oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau), flounders (Paralichthys spp.). Crustaceans such as shrimp and squid also comprise their diet.  They will eat other sharks and rays such as, Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) and bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) (Castro, 1996; Florida Museum, 2025). When feeding on schools of fish, these sharks will jump out of the water and twirl many times around a horizontal axis before falling back into the water.

Position in the Food Web

The blacktip shark is a high-level trophic level or significant predator in their ecosystem (Florida Museum, 2025). They have few predators. Larger sharks, such as tiger sharks, will prey on them during their migration.

Reproduction

Blacktip sharks have placental viviparity. Their embryos are nourished via a placental connection to the mother by umbilical cord that is similar to the reproductive system in mammals. (Florida Museum, 2025). Females have a single ovary and two uteri in which encapsulate eggs and embryos are not equally distributed (Capape et al., 2004). Gestation lasts 11-12 months. They birth between 4-11 pups in mid-May to early June in the shallow coastal waters of Georgia and the Carolinas (Castro, 1996). Pups remain in these estuarine nursery grounds for the first few years of their life, until fall. Females have a biennial ovulation cycle, so they breed or give birth from May to June (Swinsburg, 2013). Males reach sexual maturity when they reach lengths between 4.4 to 5.9 feet. Females reach sexual maturity when they reach lengths between 3.9 and 6.3 feet. Females give birth in inshore estuarine nursery grounds.

Natural Mortality

Blacktip sharks typically live 12-16 years with a maximum age of 10 years (Florida Museum, 2025).

Juvenile blacktip sharks experience high mortality rates making them the most vulnerable during their early part of life. It is estimated between 61% to 91% of juveniles die within their 15 weeks of life (Huepel, Simpfendorfer & Hueter, 2002). Sharks that survive beyond the first 15 weeks of life will leave the nursery will migrate in the fall. It is believed that juvenile mortality is related to predation and less effectiveness of foraging (Swinsburg, 2013).

Recreational post-release mortality expose these sharks to more stressful environmental and handling conditions (Binstock et al., 2023). Post-release mortality typically occurs within minutes to a few hours after post-release. Approximately 45.5% of mortality of these sharks are attributed to recreational post-releases. 

Biodiversity

While these sharks are abundant, they are considered near threatened with extinction due to overfishing and habitat distribution. Juveniles are especially vulnerable to habitat destruction because their inshore nurseries can be disturbed by boats and bottom trawls (Oceana, 2023).

Demographics

Blacktip sharks are found on the continental shelf, off beaches, estuaries and over coral reefs. 

Migratory Pattern

Blacktip sharks in the southeastern coast of the United States migrate north to Georgia and the Carolinas in the summer, and south to Florida in the winter (Castro, 1996). Males will do partial migration meaning the majority will migrate south in the winter, but a portion will remain year-round in Florida (Bowers & Kajiura, 2025). Individuals may also demonstrate migration patterns. It is believed that variable migration patterns within males correlate with chlorophyll a and sea surface temperature in the spring, and photoperiod in the winter. Photoperiod is utilized by many species and is an advantage that insures that the animal has enough fuel before habitat quality declines. However, the use of photoperiod as a migratory cue can result in unfavorable conditions that are impacted by climate change that increase stresses on individuals and their population.

Ecological Relationships

The blacktip shark is often misidentified as a spinner shark, Carcharinus brevipinna. Both species exhibit spinning and leaping behaviors and only subtle morphological distinctions. The most common identification used by fishers to discern the two species is the coloration of the anal fin. In adult spinner sharks, the anal fin is black-tipped. In adult blacktip sharks, the anal fin lacks this marking. However, these marking can be highly variable among individuals. In adult blacktips have more prominent markings on the tips of their second dorsal fin, the ventral lobe of the caudal fin, and the pectoral fins (especially on the ventral side). The markings on their pelvic fins are often faint. The location of the front of the dorsal fin in relation to the rearward tip of its ventral fin can aid in determining species. In blacktip sharks, the front edge of the dorsal fin is directly in line with the rearward tip of the ventral fin. In spinner sharks, the front edge of the dorsal fin sets back further from the rearward tip of the ventral fin. 

Danger to Humans

While these sharks are shy and non-aggressive, many have been historically responsible for 29 unprovoked attacks on humans around the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) (Florida Museum, 2025). Most incidents have resulted in minor wounds. These encounters are typically the result of mistaken identity for a prey item.

Fishing Regulations

As of June 2025, in North Carolina, the recreational fishing of blacktip sharks is allowed under specific regulations. There is a minimum size requirement of 54 inches (K. Rawls, 2024). One (1) blacktip shark per vessel per trip is allowed under the Coastal Recreational Fishing License. There are also specific rules for gear and the use of natural bait. All sharks must not be filleted until they are offloaded at the dock or on shore. 

Please Note: The fishing regulations and information provided on this website are for general information purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, fishing laws and regulations can change frequently and vary by location. It is the responsibility of each angler to verify the current local, state, and federal fishing laws before fishing. Always consult the official website or contact the appropriate wildlife and fisheries agency for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.

We are not liable for any penalties, fines, or legal issues that may arise from the use or misuse of the information on this site.

References

Binstock, A. L., Richards, T. M., Wells, R. J., Drymon, J. M., Gibson-Banks, K., Streich, M. K., Stunz, G. W., White, C. F., Whitney, N. M., & Mohan, J. A. (2023). Variable post-release mortality in common shark species captured in Texas shore-based recreational fisheries. PLOS ONE, 18(2), e0281441. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281441

Bowers, M., & Kajiura, S. (2025). Seasonal distribution and environmental predictors of the movement of male blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus off the US East Coast. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 753, 119-135. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14775

Capape, C., Seck, A. A., Diatta, Y., & Reynaud, C. (2004). Reproductive biology of the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhinidae) off west and north African coasts. International Journal of Ichthyology, 28(4), 275-284. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287873802_Reproductive_biology_of_the_blacktip_shark_Carcharhinus_limbatus_Chondrichthyes_Carcharhinidae_off_west_and_north_African_coasts

Castro, J. (1996). Biology of the Blacktip Shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, off the southeastern United States. Bulletin of Marine Science, 59(3), 508-522. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jose-Castro-44/publication/233658677_Biology_of_the_Blacktip_Shark_Carcharhinus_Limbatus_off_the_Southeastern_United_States/links/54ad9b1c0cf24aca1c6f6801/Biology-of-the-Blacktip-Shark-Carcharhinus-Limbatus-off-the-Southeastern-United-States.pdf

Florida Museum. (2025, February 3). Blacktip shark. Discover Fishes. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/blacktip-shark

Huepel, M., Simpfendorfer, C., & Hueter, R. (2002). Estimation of Mortality of Juvenile Blacktip Sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, Within a Nursery Area Using Telemetry Data (N4725). Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Association. https://www.nafo.int/Portals/0/PDFs/sc/2002/scr02-104.pdf
IUCN. (2022). Blacktip shark. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/3851/2870736

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.). Atlantic Blacktip sharks: A management success story. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/atlantic-blacktip-sharks-management-success-story

NOAA. (2022). Atlantic Blacktip shark. NOAA Fisheries. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-blacktip-shark

Oceana. (2023, June 28). Blacktip shark. https://oceana.org/marine-life/blacktip-shark

Rawls, K. (2024). Proclamation Re: Shark - Commercial and Recreational - Opening Date and Harvest Restrictions (FF-2-2024). NC Division of Marine Fisheries. https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2023-12/FF-2-2024_Shark_Opening.pdf?VersionId=ojmPIaCH.7VqI6F8cf_GTAY1fy80NCYY#:~:text=H.,Isurus%20oxyrinchus)%20for%20recreational%20purposes

Swinsburg, W. (2013). Survival of the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus Survival of the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus [Master's thesis]. https://scispace.com/pdf/survival-of-the-blacktip-shark-carcharhinus-limbatus-13ij3bfol1.pdf
© 2024 Sharks of onslow county.