Can Anyone Identify This Shark?

[Dom]

When I first walked out to the beach today, I noticed something unusual laying on the sand. As I approached, I realized it was a shark.

At first, I couldn't believe my eyes. And then, I saw it wiggle and "gasp". I knew it wasn't a good sign that it was on the beach; maybe it was injured or ill. I know healthy marine animals don't beach themselves without a reason.

After 3 tries, I got her to swim back out to the water. But about 15 minutes later, I spotted her on the sand, about 100 feet west of where I put her back in the surf. Sadly, I don't think she will make it.

This is a picture:

I estimated her length as 30-36 inches. I thought she might be a sand shark, but all sand sharks I've ever seen in the area are... well... sand color. LOL

Any ideas anyone?

Dom

 

[KrisReef]

Grey smoothound

 

[cracker]

Thanks for trying to help ! You did the right thing .

 

[Crabs McJones]

Smooth Hound Shark?

 

[Dom]

Grey smoothound

I've read that they are from the Pacific waters between California and Mexico. Considering I'm on the east coast (NYC) I'm guessing that this guy was in a tank and got too big. Her owner dumped her in the waters in this area and it can't survive in these cooler waters.

How sad.

 

[Mr.Hyde]

Looks like a “nurse shark” was there two little whiskers under the nose?

Thank you for trying to save it.

 

[Dom]

Looks like a “nurse shark” was there two little whiskers under the nose?

Thank you for trying to save it.

I did see it on its back and tried to get a good look. I didn't notice any whiskers at all.

 

[Dom]

Sorry I don't have more pics. Once I realized it was still alive, I didn't want to waste time taking pics. I wanted to get it back in the water ASAP.

 

[Mr.Hyde]

The only reason I ask that is, smooth greys do not typically get thirty six inches long from the information I can collect. Did you by chance spot any black spots under the fins? Or anywhere on the underside?

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Grey smoothound

Agree: Smooth dogfish, AKA grey smoothhound. Range is Atlantic coastal waters. You can see the spiracle depression behind its eye in your photo and the subtle pattern on his side.

http://www.gma.org/fogm/Mustelus_canis.htm
http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/species/fieldguide/view/Mustelus canis/
https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/Narragansett/sharks/smooth-dogfish.html

 

[DanTer]

Perhaps a Dogfish? When fishing in the LI Sound, my friends and I would hook them quite often while night fishing. Size and appearance check out

 

[Dom]

The only reason I ask that is, smooth greys do not typically get thirty six inches long from the information I can collect. Did you by chance spot any black spots under the fins? Or anywhere on the underside?

No... It's underside was clear white; no markings of any kind.

 

[Mr.Hyde]

Well I think I found it!

 

[Dom]

Well... whatever it is, I hope it is from these waters and not something someone dumped in the water because it got too big for their tank.

 

[ZoWhat]

Land Shark.... (a.k.a. Tort Lawyer)

 

[jd371]

Surf fisherman here... yep, it's a Dogfish Shark. I mostly use lures but when I use bait I catch these sharks all the time and just throw them back. Some idiot fisherman will leave them on the sand to die because it's a nuisance fish. If I see it happen I just walk over pick it up and throw it back in the ocean in font of said fisherman.

 

[Captain Quint]

Surf fisherman here... yep, it's a Dogfish Shark. I mostly use lures but when I use bait I catch these sharks all the time and just throw them back. Some idiot fisherman will leave them on the sand to die because it's a nuisance fish. If I see it happen I just walk over pick it up and throw it back in the ocean in font of said fisherman.

I ask if they are going to eat it. If they say no I pick it up, wade out with it and release.

 

[Daydream Corals]

that's a dogfish shark

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Grey smoothound

Smooth Hound Shark?

Agree: Smooth dogfish, AKA grey smoothhound. Range is Atlantic coastal waters. You can see the spiracle depression behind its eye in your photo and the subtle pattern on his side.

http://www.gma.org/fogm/Mustelus_canis.htm
http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/species/fieldguide/view/Mustelus canis/
https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/Narragansett/sharks/smooth-dogfish.html

Perhaps a Dogfish? When fishing in the LI Sound, my friends and I would hook them quite often while night fishing. Size and appearance check out

Well I think I found it!

Surf fisherman here... yep, it's a Dogfish Shark. I mostly use lures but when I use bait I catch these sharks all the time and just throw them back. Some idiot fisherman will leave them on the sand to die because it's a nuisance fish. If I see it happen I just walk over pick it up and throw it back in the ocean in font of said fisherman.

that's a dogfish shark

LOL - I think its identity has been established!




.

 

[Crabs McJones]

@Dom what ever happened with this little guy? Did it swim off?