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Shark Key Final
Shark Key Final
FLORIDA
SHARKS
Identification Key
Authors
Kelsey Taylor
Kristen Standifer
Jack Vonderwerth
WARNING:
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.
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
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
Bull Shark
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