Atlantic Stingray
Dasyatis sabina
What the sources say
Venom: “They have long venomous spines on their tails, but they are not aggressive” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
Sharks in New Jersey: Species, Stingrays & Safety
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
On this page
This page lists 43 sharks, rays and other marine animals: all from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Marine Life of New Jersey: Marine Fish of New Jersey. 5 are venomous by official accounts, and 1 mildly venomous.
Which sharks, rays and other marine animals can hurt you
Official sources single out these sharks, rays and other marine animals in New Jersey, in their own words:
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Roughtail Stingray
Venomous tail spine. “The tail spines are poisonous, yet it is rarely life-threatening to humans.” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Bluntnose Stingray
Venomous tail spine. “…with a tail one and a half times its body length bearing a serrated venomous spine” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Cownose Ray
Venomous tail spine. “…the long sturdy tail has one or two serrated spines with mild venom.” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Photo: Chase Harris · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist Atlantic Stingray
Venomous tail spine. “They have long venomous spines on their tails, but they are not aggressive” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Photo: Dan Schofield · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Southern Stingray
Venomous tail spine. “Research is being conducted by the biomedical and neurobiological industries on the venomous component of the tail spine” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Photo: John Burnett · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized Spotted Eagle Ray
Venomous tail spine. “…it is considered potentially dangerous to humans due to the venomous tail spines that can inflict serious wounds.” Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
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Photo: Kristof Zyskowski · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Lionfish (invasive; 3 USGS NAS records off New Jersey)
Venomous spines (NOAA). “The spines of this species deliver a venomous sting that can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis.” NOAA National Ocean Service
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Photo: Josiah Londerée · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Sea nettle (stinging jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish present in Barnegat Bay and other NJ coastal waterways (NJDEP). “Sea nettles (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), a type of stinging jellyfish, are present in the waters of Barnegat Bay and other coastal waterways of New Jersey.” NJDEP
All 43 sharks, rays and other marine animals
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
No confirmed photo of Bluntnose Stingray
Bluntnose Stingray
Dasyatis say
What the sources say
Venom: “…with a tail one and a half times its body length bearing a serrated venomous spine” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
No confirmed photo of Roughtail Stingray
Roughtail Stingray
Dasyatis centroura
What the sources say
Venom: “The tail spines are poisonous, yet it is rarely life-threatening to humans.” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
Southern Stingray
Dasyatis americana
What the sources say
Venom: “Research is being conducted by the biomedical and neurobiological industries on the venomous component of the tail spine” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
Spotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
What the sources say
Venom: “…it is considered potentially dangerous to humans due to the venomous tail spines that can inflict serious wounds.” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
No confirmed photo of Cownose Ray
Cownose Ray
Rhinoptera bonasus
What the sources say
Venom: “…the long sturdy tail has one or two serrated spines with mild venom.” (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida)
No confirmed photo of Atlantic Angel Shark
Atlantic Angel Shark
Squatina dumeril
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Atlantic Torpedo
Atlantic Torpedo
Torpedo nobiliana
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Barndoor Skate
Barndoor Skate
Raja laevis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Basking Shark
Basking Shark
Cetorhinus maximus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Bigeye Thresher Shark
Bigeye Thresher Shark
Alopias superciliosus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Average about 5 feet and 50 pounds; maximum about 8 feet.
- How to recognize it
- Anal fin usually has no black tip
- Long, pointed snout; small eyes
- First dorsal fin begins over or slightly behind the rear of the pectoral fins
Blue Shark
Prionace glauca
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Bonnethead
Sphyrna tiburo
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Bull Shark
Carcharhinus leucas
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Reported maximum varies by source: about 11 ft (Alabama), over 10 ft with a 6 to 8 ft average (South Carolina), about 13 ft (Florida Museum).
- How to recognize it
- Very short, broadly rounded snout
- Stout, heavy body
- No ridge between the dorsal fins
No confirmed photo of Bullnose Ray
Bullnose Ray
Myliobatis freminvillei
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
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Chain Dogfish
Scyliorhinus retifer
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Clearnose Skate
Clearnose Skate
Raja eglanteria
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Devil Ray
Devil Ray
Mobula mobular
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Dusky Shark
Dusky Shark
Carcharhinus obscurus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of False Cat Shark
False Cat Shark
Pseudotriakis microdon
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Lemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Maximum about 10.5 ft (Florida).
- How to recognize it
- Two large dorsal fins of similar size and shape
- Blunt, rounded snout shorter than the mouth is wide
- No ridge between the dorsal fins
No confirmed photo of Little Skate
Little Skate
Raja erinacea
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Manta
Manta
Manta birostris
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Porbeagle
Porbeagle
Lamna nasus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Rosette Skate
Rosette Skate
Raja garmani
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Sand Tiger
Sand Tiger
Odontaspis taurus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Sandbar Shark
Sandbar Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
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Scalloped Hammerhead
Sphyrna lewini
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Shortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Up to about 13 ft (NOAA, Atlantic; Florida Museum); Pacific: up to 12 ft, averaging 6 to 7 ft (NOAA). SCDNR: averages 5 to 8 ft.
- How to recognize it
- Very pointed snout and long gill slits
- Crescent-shaped (lunate) tail with a single strong keel on each side of the tail base
- Long, slender, smooth-edged teeth, visible even with the mouth closed
Silky Shark
Carcharhinus falciformis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Smalltooth Sawfish
Smalltooth Sawfish
Pristis pectinata
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Smooth Butterfly Ray
Smooth Butterfly Ray
Gymnura micrura
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Smooth Dogfish
Smooth Dogfish
Mustelus canis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Smooth Hammerhead
Smooth Hammerhead
Sphyrna zygaena
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Spiny Butterfly Ray
Spiny Butterfly Ray
Gymnura altavela
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Spiny Dogfish
Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Thorny Skate
Thorny Skate
Raja radiata
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Thresher Shark
Thresher Shark
Alopias vulpinus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Florida gives a maximum of about 18 ft and 2,000 lb.
- How to recognize it
- Blunt snout and vertical bars on the sides
- Very broad head; short, broadly rounded snout much shorter than the mouth is wide
- Large triangular teeth, strongly serrated, with a deep notch on the outer edge
No confirmed photo of White Shark
White Shark
Carcharadon carcharias
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Winter Skate
Winter Skate
Raja ocellata
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Sharks and Marine Life people confuse
Bull Shark or Sandbar shark?
Bull Shark Not stated
No confirmed photo of Sandbar shark
Sandbar shark Not stated
Sandbar sharks (and oceanic whitetip, bignose, silky, dusky and night sharks) have a ridge between the dorsal fins; bull sharks do not.
Bull Shark or Lemon shark?
Bull Shark Not stated
Lemon shark Not stated
Lemon and sand tiger sharks have a large second dorsal fin; a bull shark's second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When sharks, rays and other marine animals are active in New Jersey
Records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in New Jersey peak in June to August. They show when people record sharks, rays and other marine animals, not how many there are (about month bars).
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
What official sources say
Are there sharks off new jersey?
Yes. NJ Fish and Wildlife lists sand tiger, sandbar shark, smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish as abundant in New Jersey waters, and the white shark as rarely found. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife
“The following species are found abundantly in New Jersey waters:”
Are there great white sharks in New Jersey?
Rarely. The white shark is on the state list of species rarely found in New Jersey marine waters. It is a prohibited species that anglers must release. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife
About this list
The species list comes from Marine Life of New Jersey: Marine Fish of New Jersey (NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, Internet Archive capture 2026-08-15 (list compiled mainly from Able 1992, Checklist of New Jersey saltwater fishes)).
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
Sources
- New Jersey's Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, ENSP. archived copy, captured August 25, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
- Marine Life of New Jersey: Marine Fish of New Jersey. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. archived copy, captured August 15, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“The following species are found abundantly in New Jersey waters:”
- Roughtail Stingray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated June 3, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“The tail spines are poisonous, yet it is rarely life-threatening to humans.”
- Bluntnose Stingray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated June 3, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“…with a tail one and a half times its body length bearing a serrated venomous spine”
- Cownose Ray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated May 29, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“…the long sturdy tail has one or two serrated spines with mild venom.”
- Atlantic Stingray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated June 3, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“They have long venomous spines on their tails, but they are not aggressive”
- Southern Stingray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated June 3, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Research is being conducted by the biomedical and neurobiological industries on the venomous component of the tail spine”
- Spotted Eagle Ray species profile (Discover Fishes). Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. updated May 30, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“…it is considered potentially dangerous to humans due to the venomous tail spines that can inflict serious wounds.”
- Lionfish Facts. NOAA National Ocean Service. updated September 23, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“The spines of this species deliver a venomous sting that can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis.”
- Sea Nettle Management (Barnegat Bay). NJDEP. updated February 12, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Sea nettles (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), a type of stinging jellyfish, are present in the waters of Barnegat Bay and other coastal waterways of New Jersey.”
- GBIF.org occurrence records, human observations licensed CC0 1.0 or CC BY 4.0 only, accessed November 3, 2026. The datasets behind these counts are listed on our Sources page.