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Common Sharks in Mississippi Waters

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas
Illustration of a bull shark with broad body and short snout, used for identifying shark species in Mississippi fishing guides.
Bull shark illustration showing key features used for identification in Mississippi’s coastal waters—helpful for anglers and shark watchers alike.

One of the largest sharks commonly found in inshore waters, it can reach lengths greater than 10 feet and is one of the few sharks that regularly move into fresh water. The most distinguishing characteristic of this shark is its large robust body. This shark is also characterized by a short snout that is blunt and rounded.

Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus
Illustration of a blacktip shark with dark-tipped fins, commonly found in coastal Mississippi waters, used for fishing ID purposes.
This detailed illustration of a blacktip shark helps anglers in Mississippi identify this common coastal species known for its distinctive dark fin tips.

As the name indicates, this shark’s fins are tipped in black except for the anal fin. It is a medium-size shark, but can reach lengths of 9 feet. This shark is very active when hooked and will jump out of the water.

Spinner Shark

Carcharhinus brevipinna
Illustration of a spinner shark with long, slender body and pointed fins, commonly found in Mississippi’s coastal waters.
Illustration of a spinner shark, a sleek and fast-moving species found in Mississippi waters, known for its leaping and spinning behavior.

The Spinner Shark gets its name from a behavior where it leaps out of the water and spins in midair. It is very similar to the Blacktip Shark, but all its fins are black-tipped, including the anal fin. It can reach lengths up to 9 feet and is extremely active when hooked.

Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Illustration of an Atlantic sharpnose shark, showing its slender body, long snout, and distinctive white spots along the sides.
Atlantic sharpnose shark illustration showing its slim body, long snout, and signature white spots—commonly found in Gulf Coast saltwater fisheries.

The most common shark in Mississippi coastal waters, this shark rarely exceeds 4 feet in length. It is characterized by a slender build and white blotches on the body. The origin of the second dorsal fin is about mid-base of the anal fin. These sharks are also called “Wormies” by coastal fishermen.

Illustrations © 1992, Diane Rome Peebles

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