Blacknose Shark
Carcharhinus acronotus
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
Blacknose sharks are relatively slender, with greenish or yellowish-gray bodies and paler bellies. Their first dorsal fin is small and sits over or behind the tips of the pectoral fins.
Biology
Blacknose sharks live up to 20 years. Females grow slower, live longer, and reach a larger size than males. Additionally, both sexes grow more slowly in the Gulf of America than in the Atlantic. The average age of maturity in the Atlantic is 4.5 years for females and 4.3 years for males.
Where They Live
Range Blacknose sharks are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to southern Brazil. Their range includes the Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea. Habitat Blacknose sharks live in coastal waters over sandy, shell, or coral bottoms. Juveniles typically live in shallower areas while adults prefer depths of 59 to 210 feet.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from North Carolina through the east coast of Florida.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 65 Species
Where Blacknose Shark ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choline | 65 mg | 12 / 65 | 82% |
| Protein | 20.98 g | 13 / 111 | 88% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 316 mg | 17 / 104 | 84% |
| Omega-3 DHA | 527 mg | 21 / 104 | 80% |
| Selenium | 36.5 µg | 32 / 106 | 70% |
| Iron | 0.84 mg | 32 / 111 | 71% |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 IU | 45 / 54 | 17% |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg | 48 / 111 | 57% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.49 µg | 56 / 106 | 47% |
| Zinc | 0.43 mg | 71 / 111 | 36% |
Other Species in Genus Carcharhinus
3 close biological relatives of Blacknose 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Blacktip Shark | Carcharhinus limbatus | 18.51 | 410 | Smart Choice |
| Finetooth Shark | Carcharhinus isodon | 20.98 | 527 | Smart Choice |
| Sandbar Shark | Carcharhinus plumbeus | 20.98 | 527 | — |
Other Southeast Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Blacknose Shark.
Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Panulirus argus
Mild and sweet.
Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
Mild but distinct flavor, somewhere between bass and halibut.
Gray Triggerfish
Balistes capriscus
The meat of gray triggerfish is uniquely sweet. It tastes more like crab than fish.
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
King mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark, strong-tasting meat a…
Queen Conch
Aliger gigas
Conch has a sweet, slightly smoky flavor, similar to abalone or clam. Fresh, farmed conch is sweeter and more tender tha…
Red Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
Red snapper has a sweetly mild but distinctive flavor.
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Spanish mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark, strong-tasting mea…
Vermilion Snapper
Rhomboplites aurorubens
Mild and sweet.
Similar by Flavour: Other Sweet-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the sweet flavour profile of Blacknose 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
What is the stock status of Blacknose Shark?
The Atlantic stock is overfished, but the fishing rate established under a rebuilding plan promotes population growth. The population status in the Gulf of America is unknown, but management measures are in place.
How long do Blacknose Shark live?
Live up to 20 years.
How much choline does Blacknose Shark contain?
A 100 g raw serving of Blacknose Shark supplies 65 mg of choline, around 12% of the 550 mg daily value — notable for prenatal and liver-health contexts.
Is Blacknose Shark a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
Per 100 g raw, Blacknose Shark supplies 316 mg of EPA and 527 mg of DHA — the two long-chain omega-3s most cited in cardiovascular research.
How much protein is in 100 g of Blacknose Shark?
A 100 g raw serving of Blacknose Shark provides 20.98 g of protein — roughly 42% of the FDA 50 g daily value.
Sustainability Story
U.S. wild-caught blacknose 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 blacknose shark: The Atlantic stock and the Gulf of America stock. According to the most recent stock assessments: The Atlantic stock is overfished and subject to overfishing (2011 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART .
Population
The Atlantic stock is overfished, but the fishing rate established under a rebuilding plan promotes population growth. The population status in the Gulf of America is unknown, but management measures are in place.
Fishing Rate
In the Atlantic, the fishing rate is reduced to end overfishing. In the Gulf of America, the overfishing status is unknown, but management measures are in place.
Habitat Impacts
Fishing gears used to harvest blacknose sharks have minimal impacts on habitat.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries manages blacknose sharks in federal waters under the Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan . Commercial, recreational, and for-hire fishermen must comply with permit requirements, trip limits, gear restrictions, finning prohibitions, closed areas, and reporting requirements to land blacknose sharks.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 21 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.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.