You might be surprised to learn that New England waters host 14 different shark species, ranging from the completely harmless basking shark to the formidable great white.
Whether you’re a beachgoer in Cape Cod, a fisherman off the Maine coast, or simply curious about marine life, understanding these species can enhance both your safety and appreciation for these remarkable predators.
This guide will help you identify each species, understand their behavior patterns, and know what precautions to take when you encounter them in New England’s coastal waters.
Sand Tiger Shark
The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) presents one of the most distinctive profiles you’ll encounter in New England waters. These sharks are easily recognizable by their pointed snout and prominent, needle-like teeth that remain visible even when their mouth is closed. Despite their fearsome appearance, sand tigers are generally docile toward humans.
Key Insight: Sand tiger sharks are the only sharks known to gulp air at the surface to maintain neutral buoyancy, allowing them to hover motionless in the water column.
You can identify sand tigers by their bronze to gray coloration with darker spots scattered across their body. They typically measure 6-10 feet in length, with females growing larger than males. Sand tigers prefer sandy bottom areas and are often found near wrecks and rocky reefs where they hunt for small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
These sharks are most commonly spotted during summer months in southern New England waters, particularly around Rhode Island and Connecticut. They’re known for their slow, deliberate swimming style and tendency to congregate in small groups during mating season.
Sandbar Shark
Sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) are among the most abundant large sharks in New England’s nearshore waters during warmer months. Their robust build and triangular dorsal fin make them relatively easy to identify from other requiem sharks in the region.
These sharks display a bronze to brownish-gray coloration on their dorsal surface, fading to white on their underside. Adult sandbars typically reach 5-7 feet in length, though some specimens can grow up to 8 feet. The most distinguishing feature is their exceptionally high first dorsal fin, which is proportionally larger than other similar species.
Pro Tip: Look for the distinctive ridge running between the dorsal fins – this feature, combined with their high dorsal fin, makes sandbar sharks unmistakable.
Sandbar sharks prefer shallow coastal waters and are frequently found over sandy bottoms, hence their name. They feed primarily on bottom-dwelling fish, rays, and invertebrates. During summer, pregnant females often move into shallow bays and estuaries to give birth, making encounters more likely for recreational swimmers and boaters.
Smooth Dogfish Shark
The smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) ranks as one of the most commonly encountered sharks along the New England coast. These small, slender sharks pose absolutely no threat to humans and are often caught by recreational anglers.
Smooth dogfish display a uniform gray to brown coloration without any distinct markings or spots. They typically measure 2-4 feet in length, making them one of the smaller shark species in the region. Their most notable characteristic is their completely smooth skin texture, unlike many other shark species that have rough, sandpaper-like skin.
| Smooth Dogfish vs Spiny Dogfish | Smooth Dogfish | Spiny Dogfish |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsal Fin Spines | None | Two prominent spines |
| Size Range | 2-4 feet | 2-3 feet |
| Skin Texture | Completely smooth | Rough, sandpaper-like |
| Schooling Behavior | Small groups | Large schools (hundreds) |
These sharks are bottom feeders, consuming crabs, lobsters, worms, and small fish. They’re particularly common in shallow bays and estuaries during spring and summer months. Smooth dogfish are often used in fish and chips restaurants along the East Coast, sometimes marketed as “rock salmon”.
Spiny Dogfish Shark
Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) are perhaps the most abundant shark species in New England waters, often forming massive schools that can number in the thousands. These small sharks are easily identified by the prominent spines located in front of each dorsal fin.
Common Mistake: Never grab a spiny dogfish behind the head – their dorsal spines can inflict painful wounds and may contain mild venom.
The spiny dogfish displays a slate-gray coloration on top with white spots scattered along their sides, fading to white on their belly. They typically measure 2-3 feet in length, with females growing slightly larger than males. These sharks are known for their incredible longevity, with some specimens living over 100 years.
Spiny dogfish are highly migratory, following seasonal temperature patterns along the coast. During winter, large schools move to deeper offshore waters, returning to shallow areas in spring and summer. They feed on small schooling fish, squid, and invertebrates, often hunting cooperatively in their large groups.
These sharks are commercially important in New England, harvested for their meat and used in European dishes. However, their slow growth rate and late maturity make them vulnerable to overfishing.
Dusky Shark
Dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) represent one of the larger requiem sharks found in New England waters, though encounters are less common than with sandbar sharks. These impressive predators can reach substantial sizes and should be treated with appropriate respect.
The dusky shark’s most distinctive feature is its relatively small eye compared to other requiem sharks of similar size. They display a bronze to dark gray coloration dorsally, with a white underside. Adult dusky sharks commonly reach 8-10 feet in length, with some exceptional specimens growing up to 12 feet.
Dusky sharks prefer deeper waters compared to sandbars, typically staying in waters deeper than 60 feet. They’re highly migratory, moving north along the coast during summer months and returning south for winter. Their diet consists primarily of fish, but they’ll also consume rays, smaller sharks, and cephalopods.
Important Note: Due to their size and predatory nature, dusky sharks should be given a wide berth if encountered while diving or swimming.
The species has experienced significant population declines due to overfishing and is now protected in U.S. waters. If you catch a dusky shark while fishing, it must be released immediately.
Blue Shark
Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are among the most beautiful and recognizable sharks found in New England’s offshore waters. Their distinctive cobalt blue coloration and graceful swimming style make them unmistakable when encountered.
These sharks display a brilliant blue color on their dorsal surface that fades to white on their underside. Blue sharks are built for speed and endurance, with long pectoral fins and a streamlined body that allows them to cover vast distances across ocean basins. They typically measure 6-10 feet in length, though larger specimens have been recorded.
Blue sharks are primarily pelagic, meaning they spend most of their time in open ocean waters rather than near the coast. However, they do venture closer to shore during summer months, particularly when following food sources like squid and small schooling fish.
Key Insight: Blue sharks are among the most far-ranging of all shark species, with satellite tagging studies showing individual sharks crossing entire ocean basins.
These sharks are known for their curious nature and will often approach divers and boats. While generally not aggressive toward humans, their size and powerful build warrant caution during any encounter.
Shortfin Mako Shark
The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) stands as the speed demon of New England waters, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph and making spectacular leaps out of the water. These athletic predators are highly prized by sport fishermen but also command significant respect due to their aggressive nature.
Shortfin makos display a metallic blue coloration on their dorsal surface with a sharp demarcation to white on their underside. Their torpedo-shaped body, pointed snout, and crescent-shaped tail are perfectly adapted for high-speed pursuit of prey. They typically measure 6-12 feet in length, with females growing larger than males.
These sharks prefer warmer offshore waters and are most commonly encountered during summer months when water temperatures rise above 60°F. They’re vertical migrators, following prey between surface waters and depths of several hundred feet.
| Shortfin Mako Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 45+ mph |
| Jumping Ability | Up to 20 feet out of water |
| Primary Prey | Tuna, swordfish, other sharks |
| Water Temperature Preference | 60°F+ |
Important Note: Shortfin makos are considered one of the more dangerous shark species due to their speed, aggression, and powerful bite. Exercise extreme caution if encountered.
Makos feed primarily on fast-moving pelagic fish like tuna, billfish, and other sharks. Their incredible speed allows them to catch prey that other sharks cannot pursue successfully.
Great White Shark
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) needs little introduction as New England’s most famous and feared predator. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has become particularly well-known for its great white population, with the area experiencing a significant increase in sightings since 2009.
Great whites are instantly recognizable by their massive triangular dorsal fin, torpedo-shaped body, and distinctive coloration pattern. They display dark gray to black on their dorsal surface with a sharp transition to white on their underside – a coloration pattern called countershading that helps them ambush prey.
Adult great whites in New England waters typically measure 12-16 feet in length, though larger specimens up to 20 feet have been recorded. These sharks are drawn to New England primarily by the abundant seal populations, particularly around Cape Cod and the outer islands.
Pro Tip: If you’re swimming or surfing in areas with known seal populations, be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk hours when great whites are most active.
Great whites are highly migratory, with tagged individuals showing they travel thousands of miles between feeding and breeding areas. In New England, they’re most common from June through October, with peak activity occurring in late summer.
The increase in great white encounters has led to enhanced safety protocols at many beaches. Always heed local warnings and avoid swimming near seal colonies, fishing areas, or anywhere seals are present in the water.
Porbeagle Shark
Porbeagle sharks (Lamna nasus) are close relatives of great whites and makos, sharing the same family (Lamnidae) and many similar characteristics. These robust predators are well-adapted to New England’s cooler waters and represent one of the region’s most impressive shark species.
Porbeagles display a dark blue-gray coloration on their dorsal surface, fading to white below. One of their most distinctive features is the white patch located at the rear base of their first dorsal fin, which helps distinguish them from similar species. They typically measure 5-8 feet in length, with a stocky, muscular build.
These sharks are well-suited to cold water environments, possessing a specialized circulatory system that allows them to maintain body temperatures above ambient water temperature. This adaptation gives them a significant advantage when hunting in New England’s cooler waters.
Key Insight: Porbeagles are one of the few shark species capable of regulating their body temperature, allowing them to remain active in waters as cold as 35°F.
Porbeagles feed primarily on schooling fish like mackerel, herring, and cod, but will also consume squid and smaller sharks. They’re strong swimmers and are known to make deep dives in pursuit of prey.
Thresher Shark
Thresher sharks are among the most unique-looking sharks you might encounter in New England waters, instantly recognizable by their extraordinarily long tail fin that can equal the length of their body. Common threshers (Alopias vulpinus) use their elongated tail as a weapon to stun schooling fish before feeding.
These sharks display a dark blue to gray coloration on their dorsal surface with lighter sides and a white underside. The total length, including their massive tail, can reach 12-18 feet, though the body itself is typically 6-10 feet long.
Thresher sharks are primarily pelagic, preferring deeper offshore waters but occasionally venturing closer to shore when following prey. They feed mainly on schooling fish like mackerel, bluefish, and menhaden, using their tail to corral and stun prey in a feeding behavior that’s unique among sharks.
Common Mistake: When estimating a thresher shark’s size, remember that nearly half their total length is tail fin – the actual body is much smaller than their impressive silhouette suggests.
These sharks are highly migratory and are most commonly encountered in New England waters during summer months. They’re considered harmless to humans due to their specialized feeding behavior and generally shy nature.
Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are occasional summer visitors to New England’s warmer waters, representing one of the more formidable predators that might be encountered in the region. These sharks are named for the distinctive dark stripes or spots that are most prominent in juveniles but fade with age.
Adult tiger sharks in New England waters typically measure 8-14 feet in length, displaying a blue-gray to dark gray coloration. Their most distinctive features include a blunt, broad snout and distinctive serrated teeth that are perfectly adapted for cutting through tough materials.
Tiger sharks are known for their indiscriminate feeding habits, earning them the nickname “wastebasket of the sea.” Their diet includes fish, seals, sea turtles, birds, and virtually anything else they can catch, including non-food items like license plates and tires.
Important Note: Tiger sharks are considered one of the most dangerous shark species due to their size, aggressive nature, and tendency to frequent shallow waters where human encounters are more likely.
These sharks prefer warmer waters and are most likely to be encountered in southern New England during the warmest months of summer. They’re typically found in deeper waters but will venture into shallow areas when hunting.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are rare but spectacular visitors to New England waters during exceptionally warm years. The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) and scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) are the species most likely to be encountered, though sightings remain uncommon.
These sharks are instantly recognizable by their distinctive flattened head extensions called cephalofoils. The great hammerhead’s “hammer” is more rectangular, while the scalloped hammerhead has distinct indentations along the front edge.
Key Insight: The hammerhead’s unusual head shape isn’t just for show – it provides enhanced sensory capabilities, allowing them to detect electrical fields produced by prey with exceptional precision.
Great hammerheads can reach impressive sizes of 12-20 feet, while scalloped hammerheads typically max out around 10-12 feet. Both species are typically found in warmer waters, making New England encounters rare and usually limited to the warmest months.
When hammerheads do appear in New England waters, it’s usually in association with warmer water masses moving north or during particularly warm summer periods. They typically remain in deeper offshore waters when present.
Basking Shark
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) represents New England’s gentle giant, ranking as the second-largest shark species in the world. Despite their enormous size – commonly reaching 20-26 feet in length – basking sharks are completely harmless filter feeders that consume only plankton and small fish.
These massive sharks are easily recognizable by their enormous size, prominent dorsal fin, and large mouth that they keep open while feeding. They display a dark gray to black coloration and have distinctively large gill slits that nearly encircle their head.
Basking sharks are seasonal visitors to New England waters, typically arriving in late spring when plankton blooms are most abundant. They’re often seen feeding at the surface with their dorsal fin and part of their back exposed, hence the name “basking”.
Pro Tip: If you encounter a basking shark while boating, maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to touch or ride these gentle giants – it’s illegal and harmful to the animals.
These sharks are completely harmless to humans and are actually quite docile. However, their massive size means that boat strikes can be dangerous for both the shark and vessel occupants.
Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) represents one of New England’s most mysterious deep-water residents. These ancient sharks prefer extremely cold, deep waters and are rarely encountered in shallow areas accessible to recreational activities.
Greenland sharks are built for life in the deep, cold waters of the North Atlantic. They display a uniform dark gray to brown coloration and have a distinctively slow, lethargic swimming style. Recent research has revealed that Greenland sharks may be among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, with some specimens estimated to be over 400 years old.
These sharks typically measure 8-14 feet in length, though larger specimens have been recorded. They feed on a variety of prey including fish, seals, and even polar bears, though their slow swimming speed suggests they primarily scavenge or ambush prey.
Key Insight: Greenland shark meat is toxic when fresh due to high concentrations of trimethylamine oxide, but becomes edible after being buried and fermented for several months – a traditional preparation called hákarl in Iceland.
In New England waters, Greenland sharks are typically found in very deep, cold water well offshore. Encounters with recreational users are extremely rare due to their preferred habitat depth of several hundred feet or more.
Conclusion
Understanding shark behavior and implementing appropriate safety measures significantly reduces already low encounter risks. Shark attacks remain extremely rare, with more people injured by lightning strikes than shark bites each year.
Essential Safety Practices:
- Avoid swimming near seal colonies, especially during dawn and dusk
- Stay in groups when swimming or surfing
- Don’t enter the water if you have open wounds
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry that might resemble fish scales
- Stay away from fishing areas and bait balls
- Leave the water immediately if marine mammals are present
Recognition and Response: If you encounter a shark while in the water, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. Most shark encounters result in the shark swimming away once it realizes you’re not prey.
For beach activities, heed all local warnings and advisories. Many New England beaches now employ shark detection technology and trained spotters during peak season.
The key to safe coexistence with sharks lies in understanding their behavior patterns and respecting their role as apex predators in marine ecosystems.
By following established safety guidelines and staying informed about local conditions, you can enjoy New England’s waters while minimizing risk.
New England’s diverse shark population represents a healthy marine ecosystem that deserves both our respect and protection.
From the massive, harmless basking shark to the formidable great white, each species plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of Atlantic coastal waters.
Understanding these remarkable predators enhances both safety and appreciation for one of the ocean’s most successful evolutionary stories.
