South Florida's Most Common Sharks

The University of Florida IFAS Extension advises beach-goers to be aware of some of Florida’s most common sharks that can cause great damage with a single bite.

• Blacktip Shark – most common in clear-waters along Florida and Bahama beaches.

• Spinner Shark – often seen leaping out of coastal waters.

• Sandbar Shark – often found nearshore at depths of 60 to 200 feet. It is brown or gray with a white belly.

• Blacknose Shark – found in Florida bays and lagoon feeding on small fishes. It os a pale olive-gray on top and whitish below.

• Nurse Shark – sometimes found hiding under ledges and wreck but most commonly seen at the oceans bottom.