Caribbean Rough Shark

Facts about Caribbean Rough Sharks, "Scientific name for Caribbean Rough Shark Oxynotus caribbaeus". The Caribbean Rough shark is among the smallest and rarest species of sharks. Unlike other sharks that can be found in shallow waters and near the coastlines, the Caribbean shark often resides at ocean bottoms. Caribbean Rough Shark is mostly found in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Physical Appearance of Caribbean Rough Shark

The Caribbean Rough shark together with other 4 members forms the genus Oxynotus. In appearance, the Caribbean Rough Shark species looks a little bit chubby and has a shape similar to that of a torpedo. The Caribbean Rough Sharks two dorsal fines bear sharp spines and its snout is short and blunt. The skin feels a little bit rough because of the large dermal denticles present. Looking at it, you can see some conspicuous dark bands patterned in its grayish skin and spread all over the body all through to the head and tail.

In terms of body size, the male Caribbean Rough Shark grow up to a maximum of 1 foot 7 inches (.51 meters) while the female exceed this length by a few inches. This is one of the easiest ways of differentiating the male and female Caribbean Rough sharks.

Habitat of Caribbean Rough Shark

The geographical distribution of the Caribbean Rough Shark species is concentrated in the western central Atlantic Ocean. They are easily spotted in areas like Honduras, Bahamas, Venezuela and other locations within the Caribbean Sea. From research, it has been seen to occupy depth of about 1312 to 1968 feet (400 to 600 meters) although some variations have also been seen where some sharks live in deeper or shallower waters.

Feeding Pattern of Caribbean Rough Shark

The Caribbean Rough Sharks feed on invertebrates and fishes. Their dental pattern consists of blade-like teeth located on the lower jaw and spear-shaped teeth on the upper jaw.
There are over 400 types of sharks, Sharks have the most powerful jaws on on earth. Caribbean Rough Sharks jaws, both the upper and lower jaws move. Caribbean Rough Sharks skin is made of denticles instead of scales like other fish. The denticles are constructed like hard, sharp teeth (tooth-like projection) and this helps to protect the Caribbean Rough Shark from being injury. The Caribbean Rough Shark is carnivores meaning: an animal that feeds on flesh (Meat).

Breeding of Caribbean Rough Shark

Not much has been studied concerning the breeding pattern of the Caribbean Rough sharks. However from its closest relatives such as the Prickly Dogfish and Sailfin Rough shark, it can be concluded that this species also has an ovoviviparous breeding system. This means the eggs hatch inside their mothers resulting into Caribbean Rough sharks give birth to live pups.