Latin name

Carcharhinus dussumieri

Other name

Widemouth blackspot shark

Identification

The Latin name of the species was given by the French traveller Jean-Jacques Dussumier (1792-1883).

The White Checkered Shark has an elongated streamlined body, a long rounded snout and large oval eyes that are set horizontally. The upper teeth are triangular in shape with a caudally inclined tip, with large serrations along the posterior margin and the anterior margin covered with fine teeth. Gill slits are five pairs of medium length. Vertebrae: 113-129.

This species is sometimes confused with Carcharhinus sealei.

Features of fish fins

The first dorsal fin of these sharks is relatively low and not crescent-shaped, beginning above the middle of the inner margin of the pectoral fin, length 14.3-16.2% of the length of the pectoral fin, height 1.4-1.6 times as long, inner margin 2.2-2. 5 cm at the base; second dorsal fin much smaller, broadly triangular, height 32-37% of the height of the first dorsal fin, origin approximately opposite the origin of the anal fin; anal fin slightly curved, height 1.0-1.2 times that of the second dorsal fin, base 0.9-1.1 times that of the second dorsal fin.

Fish colouring

The colouration is grey on top and white on the belly. There is usually a ridge between the first and second dorsal fins. The main distinguishing feature is a black spot on the second dorsal fin.

Distribution

They live in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. 

Habitat

Widespread in the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf to depths of 170 metres. A common but little known shark found in continental and island coastal areas.

Size

A small species of shark with a maximum length of around 100cm and an average total length of 90cm. 

Behavior

Whitebelly sharks have a keen sense of smell and sight. They usually hunt in packs.

Food and feeding habits

It preys mainly on bony fish, with crustaceans and cephalopods being less important in its diet. Bivalves, gastropods, ringworms and short-tailed crustaceans make up a small proportion of their diet.

Reproduction

A viviparous species of shark. Males mature to a length of 64 to 74 cm, females 67 to 71 cm. A litter contains 2-4 large sharks of about 40 cm. There are no seasonal differences in the reproductive cycle; mating and births occur throughout the year.

Fishing

Harvested in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries and sold for human consumption. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this shark as vulnerable.

Relationship with a person

This species is not dangerous to humans.