Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
FLORIDA
SHARKS
Identification Key
Authors
Kelsey
Taylor
Kristen
Standifer
Jack
Vonderwerth
This identification key is only to be used as an aid
to help identify sharks and should be stated that
sharks are dangerous creatures.
We recommend identifying sharks at a safe
distance.
WARNING:
Directions
for Use:
The sharks in the key are organized by size from
maximum lengths of 18 feet to 3.5 feet.
Use this key to identify the 7 most common
species of shark that are found near Florida.
Once you are safely distanced from the shark,
take note of any distinguishing features on the
shark.
Use the physical descriptions and pictures to
identify key characteristics.
Physical description:
Length: Up to 18 feet
Color: Dark grey body, light underside
Distinct Features:
o Wide head in a shape of a T
o First dorsal fin is tall with a pointed tip
o Second dorsal fin is also tall with a
concave rear edge
Tiger Shark
Bull Shark
Physical description:
Length: Up to 18 feet
Color: Teal to dark grey, yellowish-white to
white underside
Distinct Features:
o Vertical striped markings (fade with age)
o Broad head and upper body, slender
towards tail
Physical description:
Length: Up to 11 feet
Color: Grey body, light underside
Distinct Features:
o Rounded snout
o A large triangular first dorsal fin
o Relatively small eyes
Lemon Shark
Nurse Shark
Physical description:
Physical description:
Length: Up to 9 feet
Color: Yellow-brown to grey-brown body
Distinct Features:
o Two spineless, rounded dorsal fins
o Long tail fin
o Large, flexible, muscular and
rounded pectoral fins
o Head is broad and flat, small jaws
o Sensory projections hang from the mouth.
Bonnethead Shark
Physical description:
Physical description:
Length: Up to 6 feet
Color: Grey or grey-brown, white underside,
white stripe runs along the flanks
Distinct Features:
o Fins are edged with black
o Long, pointed snout and small eyes
o Torpedo-shaped body