Atlantic Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
Also known as Black fin shark, Blacktip whaler, Common blacktip shark, Gray shark, Requiem shark, Small blacktip shark, Spot-fin ground shark
Culinary Profile
Sweet, meaty taste.
Thick, large flakes and moist flesh.
Shark is a low-fat source of protein and is high in selenium and vitamins B6 and B12.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
Atlantic blacktip sharks are gray to gray-brown, with white on the belly and a conspicuous wedge-shaped band or Z-shaped line on the sides. Their pectoral, dorsal, and tail fins have black tips, but the anal fin is white. Their bodies have a torpedo shape, which allows them to swim through the water with little effort.
Biology
Atlantic blacktip sharks grow quickly, and can reach up to 6 feet in length. The oldest observed blacktip shark was 15.5 years old. They often form large groups, segregated into separate schools of males and females when they are not mating. They mate between March and June. Males mature at 4 to 5 years of age, while females mature later, at 6 to 7 years of age.
Where They Live
Range Atlantic blacktip sharks can be found year-round in the Gulf of America and are common from Virginia through Florida. They have been known to migrate as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Habitat The Atlantic blacktip shark is primarily a continental shelf species. They’re commonly found off beaches, in bays, estuaries, over coral reefs, and off river mouths.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Availability varies because the fishery is open periodically throughout the year and closes when the quota is reached.
Source
U.S. wild caught from New England to Florida and in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico).
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
Commercial fishery: To commercially harvest Atlantic sharks, vessel owners must obtain a valid Atlantic shark directed or incidental limited access permit or a smoothhound shark open access permit. More information regarding limited access permits can be found in the Atlantic HMS commercial compliance guide . Atlantic blacktip sharks belong to the large coastal shark complex. Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Bottom longlines and gillnets are used to catch Atlantic blacktip sharks. Gear used to catch blacktip sharks may catch other species, including marine mammals and turtles. Fishermen using bottom longline or gillnet gear must complete a protected species safe handling, release, and identification workshop .
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 106 Species
Where Atlantic Blacktip Shark ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 | 3 µg | 30 / 106 | 72% |
| Selenium | 36.5 µg | 32 / 106 | 70% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 220 mg | 33 / 104 | 68% |
| Omega-3 DHA | 410 mg | 34 / 104 | 67% |
| Zinc | 0.51 mg | 48 / 111 | 57% |
| Protein | 18.51 g | 55 / 111 | 50% |
| Iron | 0.32 mg | 87 / 111 | 22% |
| Phosphorus | 186 mg | 87 / 111 | 22% |
Other Species in Genus Carcharhinus
3 close biological relatives of Atlantic Blacktip Shark profiled in this catalogue — typically sharing similar anatomy, depth range, and fishery management.
| Species | Scientific name | Protein (g/100 g) | Omega-3 DHA (mg) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacknose Shark | Carcharhinus acronotus | 20.98 | 527 | Smart Choice |
| Finetooth Shark | Carcharhinus isodon | 20.98 | 527 | Smart Choice |
| Sandbar Shark | Carcharhinus plumbeus | 20.98 | 527 | — |
Other New England/Mid-Atlantic Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Atlantic Blacktip Shark.
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Bigeye tuna has a mild, meaty flavor, with a higher fat content than yellowfintuna. Sashimi lovers prefer it.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod has a mild clean flavor. It is sweeter than Pacific cod.
Atlantic Common Thresher Shark
Alopias vulpinus
Mild flavor.
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus
Small fresh herring have a more delicate flavor, while larger herring have a fuller, oilier flavor.
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark meat along the midline.
Atlantic Mahi Mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi mahi has a sweet, mild flavor. For a milder flavor, trim away darker portions of the meat.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Reported to be quite tasty.
Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Skipjack tuna has the most pronounced taste of all of the tropical tunas.
Atlantic Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
Mild and sweet.
Atlantic Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Both wild-caught and farmed striped bass have a slightly sweet flavor.
Similar by Flavour: Other Sweet-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the sweet flavour profile of Atlantic Blacktip Shark, these other species in the catalogue will feel familiar on the palate.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
Alaska Snow Crab
Chionoecetes opilio
Sweet.
Almaco Jack
Seriola rivoliana
Almaco jack has a clean, sweet, rich, slightly nutty, buttery flavor.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
American Plaice
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Subtle, sweet flavor.
Arrowtooth Flounder
Atheresthes stomias
Mild, sweet flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Atlantic Blacktip Shark get?
grow quickly, and can reach up to 6 feet.
Where in the water column does Atlantic Blacktip Shark live?
Range Atlantic blacktip sharks can be found year-round in the Gulf of America and are common from Virginia through Florida. They have been known to migrate as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Habitat The Atlantic blacktip shark is primarily a continental shelf species. They’re commonly found off beaches, in bays, estuaries, over coral reefs, and off river mouths.
Where is Atlantic Blacktip Shark found?
Range Atlantic blacktip sharks can be found year-round in the Gulf of America and are common from Virginia through Florida. They have been known to migrate as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Habitat The Atlantic blacktip shark is primarily a continental shelf species. They’re commonly found off beaches, in bays, estuaries, over coral reefs, and off river mouths.
Is Atlantic Blacktip Shark a good source of vitamin B12?
Yes — Atlantic Blacktip Shark provides 3 µg of vitamin B12 per 100 g raw, which is 125% of the 2.4 µg daily value.
Sustainability Story
U.S. wild-caught Atlantic blacktip shark is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Stock Structure
There are two stocks of blacktip shark: Atlantic and Gulf of America* (formerly Gulf of Mexico). According to the most recent stock assessments: The Atlantic stock is not overfished and not subject to overfishing (2021 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART .
Population
The stocks are not overfished.
Fishing Rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impacts
Gear used to catch blacktip sharks has minimal impact on habitat.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division manage the Atlantic blacktip shark fishery. Managed under the Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan : Permits are required, and only a limited number of permits are available. Commercial quotas and limits on how many sharks can be landed per fishing trip.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 19 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.