.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
No confirmed photo of Cannonball Jelly
Cannonball Jelly
What the sources say
Venom: “Cannonball jellyfish are the most common jellyfish in our area, and fortunately, one of the least venomous.” (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources)
Sharks in South Carolina: Species, Stingrays & Safety
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
On this page
SCDNR Marine Resources Division: The sharks presented in this guide represent 13 families and 39 species.
This page lists 62 sharks, rays and other marine animals: 54 from SCDNR Marine Resources Division's Sharks of South Carolina and 8 named in other official sources. 4 are venomous by official accounts. SCDNR Marine Resources Division gives a total of 39; the 62 here are the sharks, rays and other marine animals official sources name one by one.
Which sharks, rays and other marine animals can hurt you
Official sources single out these sharks, rays and other marine animals in South Carolina, in their own words:
-
Atlantic angel shark
Shark. “Only dangerous to man if accidentally stepped on.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Matteo Bellucci · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Nurse shark
Shark. “So sluggish that it can be easily approached by divers, however, this practice is unwise and dangerous as it could provoke an attack.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Tom Heijnen · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Sand tiger shark
Shark. “Considered potentially dangerous to swimmers and divers and has been implicated in attacks in other regions of the world.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Elias Levy · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons White shark
Shark. “Unquestionably very dangerous to man. … Known to attack and kill swimmers, surfers, and abalone divers in shallow waters in other regions. … It is well-documented that large white sharks off South Africa, the Farallon Islands near San Francisco, and elsewhere …” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Fábio Olmos · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Shortfin mako
Shark. “One of the more dangerous species of sharks, however, due to its infrequent occurrence close to shore, the probability of attack on local swimmers is remote.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Alexander Vasenin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized Oceanic whitetip shark
Shark. “A dangerous shark known to attack stranded sailors far out at sea.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Georgina Jones · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized Tiger shark
Shark. “A very dangerous shark, especially when aroused.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Juergen Gangoly · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized Blue shark
Shark. “A dangerous shark known to attack humans when sea disasters occur.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Judita bagon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized Bull shark
Shark. “A dangerous shark because of its size and frequent occurrence in areas where people swim. … Numerous attacks have been attributed to the bull shark elsewhere with a few probably occurring in South Carolina waters.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Spinner shark
Shark. “Only dangerous when being handled.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Smooth hammerhead
Shark. “Large adults are potentially dangerous to swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: Robin White · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Great hammerhead
Shark. “A potentially dangerous shark capable of attacking swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Photo: NOAA Photo Library · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Scalloped hammerhead
Shark. “Large adults are potentially dangerous to swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
-
Sea Wasp
Most venomous jellyfish in SC waters. “Their potent sting can cause severe skin irritation and may require hospitalization.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
-
Photo: Tom Kennedy · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Portuguese Man-of-War
Extremely painful stings, even when beached or dead. “Severe stings can occur even when the animal is beached or dead.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
-
Photo: Josiah Londerée · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Sea Nettle
Moderate to severe stings. “Considered moderate to severe, sea nettle stings are similar to those of the lion’s mane.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
-
Skates and rays (stingrays)
Venomous spines. “The skates and rays have pectoral fins that are connected to the head (not separated) and a more tapered, or even whip-like tail, often with venomous spines.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
All 62 sharks, rays and other marine animals
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
No confirmed photo of Moon Jelly
Moon Jelly
What the sources say
Venom: “The moon jelly is only slightly venomous.” (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources)
Portuguese Man-of-War
- Danger to people
- “Severe stings can occur even when the animal is beached or dead.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
What the sources say
Venom: “Though they visit our coast only infrequently, swimmers should learn to identify these highly venomous creatures.” (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources)
No confirmed photo of Sea Wasp
Sea Wasp
- Danger to people
- “Their potent sting can cause severe skin irritation and may require hospitalization.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
What the sources say
Venom: “…the sea wasp is the most venomous jellyfish inhabiting our waters.” (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources)
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.
- Danger to people
- “Only dangerous to man if accidentally stepped on.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: Habits are not well known. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Atlantic Guitarfish
Atlantic Guitarfish
- 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 Manta Ray
Atlantic Manta Ray
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: This is the most abundant shark in coastal waters from April through September. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Atlantic Stingray
Atlantic Stingray
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: A slow-swimming, sluggish shark usually found in offshore waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Bigeye thresher
Bigeye thresher
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.
What the sources say
Habitat: Occurs most often in deep ocean waters but may occasionally venture close to shore. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Bignose shark
Bignose shark
Carcharhinus altimus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: A common oceanic shark off South Carolina. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Blacknose shark
Blacknose shark
Carcharhinus acronotus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: A small shark that is abundant in shallow coastal waters during the spring and summer months. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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
What the sources say
Habitat: A very common, fast-swimming shark occurring in both shallow coastal waters and offshore near the surface. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
- Danger to people
- “A dangerous shark known to attack humans when sea disasters occur.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: An active, fast-swimming pelagic shark found far out in the open ocean, often near the surface. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Bluntnose Stingray
Bluntnose Stingray
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: During the summer months, occurs abundantly in South Carolina along beaches and in sounds, inlets, rivers, and estuaries. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Broadband dogfish
Broadband dogfish
Etmopterus gracilispinis
- 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.
- Danger to people
- “A dangerous shark because of its size and frequent occurrence in areas where people swim. … Numerous attacks have been attributed to the bull shark elsewhere with a few probably occurring in South …” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
- 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
What the sources say
Habitat: A rather sluggish, bottom-dwelling species that occurs abundantly in South Carolina coastal waters and offshore. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of By-the-Wind-Sailor
By-the-Wind-Sailor
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
.jpg){kind=link}
Chain catshark
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
- 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 Cow-nosed Ray
Cow-nosed Ray
- 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 Cuban dogfish
Cuban dogfish
Squalus cubensis
- 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 Deep-sea Electric Ray
Deep-sea Electric Ray
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: Usually a pelagic species but occasionally ventures into coastal waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Finetooth shark
Finetooth shark
Carcharhinus isodon
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: Especially common throughout shallow coastal waters during the long summer. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Giant Devil Ray
Giant Devil Ray
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Great hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarran
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “A potentially dangerous shark capable of attacking swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: A large shark that frequents inshore and offshore waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Kitefin shark
Kitefin shark
Dalatias licha
- 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
What the sources say
Habitat: A sluggish, slow-swimming shark common in shallow inshore waters, most often on or near the bottom. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Lesser Electric Ray
Lesser Electric Ray
- 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 Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane
- 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 Longfin mako
Longfin mako
Isurus paucus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: A pelagic shark restricted to waters well offshore. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Mushroom Jelly
Mushroom Jelly
- 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 Night shark
Night shark
Carcharhinus signatus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: The presence of greenish eyes indicates this is a deep water species, usually found in depths of more than 600 feet. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Nurse shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “So sluggish that it can be easily approached by divers, however, this practice is unwise and dangerous as it could provoke an attack.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
- Size
- Usually 4 to 8 ft (SCDNR); adults average 7.5 to 8 ft and over 200 lb (Florida Museum); maximum about 9 ft (FWC).
- How to recognize it
- A distinct, long barbel ('feeler') on each nostril, which no other shark has
- First dorsal fin starts above the pelvic fins; both dorsal fins rounded
- Small mouth near the tip of a very short, rounded snout
What the sources say
Habitat: A sluggish shark that lives primarily on or near the bottom usually in shallow coastal waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Oceanic whitetip shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “A dangerous shark known to attack stranded sailors far out at sea.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: A truly pelagic species found exclusively in waters of the open ocean. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Porbeagle shark
Porbeagle shark
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.
What the sources say
Habitat: An active and fast-swimming pelagic shark found in waters over the continental shelf. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Rosette Skate
Rosette Skate
- 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 Roughskin spurdog
Roughskin spurdog
Squalus asper
- 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 Roughtail Stingray
Roughtail Stingray
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “Considered potentially dangerous to swimmers and divers and has been implicated in attacks in other regions of the world.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: A relatively sluggish shark most often found in shallow coastal waters but also well offshore at considerable depths. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
What the sources say
Habitat: One of the most abundant sharks inhabiting the shallow coastal waters and estuaries of South Carolina from May through September. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
- Danger to people
- “Large adults are potentially dangerous to swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: Except for the bonnethead, the most common hammerhead in inshore and offshore waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Sea Nettle
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “Considered moderate to severe, sea nettle stings are similar to those of the lion’s mane.” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
No confirmed photo of Sharpnose sevengill shark
Sharpnose sevengill shark
Heptranchias perlo
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: Common in shallow coastal waters during the colder months of November through March. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
- Danger to people
- “One of the more dangerous species of sharks, however, due to its infrequent occurrence close to shore, the probability of attack on local swimmers is remote.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
- 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
What the sources say
Habitat: An extremely active and fast-swimming pelagic shark restricted to waters well offshore. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
What the sources say
Habitat: A common oceanic shark off South Carolina. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
No confirmed photo of Sixgill shark
Sixgill shark
Hexanchus griseus
- 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
- 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
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: Also known as the dusky smoothhound. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
- Danger to people
- “Large adults are potentially dangerous to swimmers.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: A strong-swimming shark, only occasionally found in both inshore and offshore waters of South Carolina. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Southern Stingray
- 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 Spinner shark
Spinner shark
Carcharhinus brevipinna
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “Only dangerous when being handled.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What the sources say
Habitat: Common in coastal and offshore waters. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
What the sources say
Habitat: Common in shallow coastal waters during the colder months of November through March. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Spotted Eagle Ray
- 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.
What the sources say
Habitat: Knowledge of the habits of this elusive shark is limited. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
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.
- Danger to people
- “A very dangerous shark, especially when aroused.” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
- 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
What the sources say
Habitat: Widely distributed throughout shallow coastal waters and well offshore in the open ocean. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Whale shark
Rhincodon typus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
What the sources say
Habitat: An extremely large, sluggish shark, usually found far from shore. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
White shark
Carcharodon carcharias
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “Unquestionably very dangerous to man. … Known to attack and kill swimmers, surfers, and abalone divers in shallow waters in other regions. … It is well-documented that large white sharks off South …” SCDNR Marine Resources Division
- Size
- Born about 4 feet long; grows to about 20-21 feet and over 4,000 pounds (NOAA quick facts: up to 4,500 pounds).
- How to recognize it
- Torpedo-shaped body, conical snout, prominent keel at the base of a crescent-shaped tail
- Large first dorsal fin, usually with a pointed tip
- Broad, triangular, serrated teeth
What the sources say
Habitat: A solitary and powerful shark found most often in cooler waters but nowhere in abundance. (SCDNR Marine Resources Division)
Sharks and Marine Life people confuse
Great white shark or Shortfin mako shark?
Great white shark Not stated
Shortfin mako shark Not stated
Mako lacks black tips on the undersides of the fins and has thin, pointed teeth without serrations.
Shortfin Mako Shark or White shark?
Shortfin Mako Shark Not stated
White shark Not stated
The white shark has broad, triangular, serrated teeth; mako teeth are slender and smooth-edged. SCDNR Marine Resources Division
Lemon Shark or Nurse shark?
Lemon Shark Not stated
Nurse shark Not stated
Also has a large second dorsal fin, but its first dorsal fin sits over the pelvic fins and it has barbels at the nostrils. SCDNR Marine Resources Division
Lemon Shark or Bull shark?
Lemon Shark Not stated
Bull shark Not stated
Bull sharks have a second dorsal fin much smaller than the first; in lemon sharks the two are nearly the same size. SCDNR Marine Resources Division
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. SCDNR Marine Resources Division
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When sharks, rays and other marine animals are active in South Carolina
Records of sharks, rays and other marine animals in South Carolina peak in March to June. 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.
Official advice from SCDNR Marine Resources Division:
- All sharks deserve caution SCDNR Marine Resources Division
What official sources say
Are there sharks in South Carolina?
Yes. SCDNR presents 39 species from 13 families; it reports no fatal attack in SC for at least the half century before 2004. SCDNR Marine Resources Division
“The sharks presented in this guide represent 13 families and 39 species.”
About this list
The species list comes from Sharks of South Carolina (SCDNR Marine Resources Division (C. H. Farmer III), 2004). 8 more entries come from other official sources named on each card.
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
Sources
- Reptiles and Amphibians of SC. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. page footer 2020; checked November 3, 2026.
- Sharks of South Carolina. SCDNR Marine Resources Division (C. H. Farmer III). 2004; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (27)
“The sharks presented in this guide represent 13 families and 39 species.”
“Only dangerous to man if accidentally stepped on.”
“The presence of a long and tapering barbel on each nostril separates it from all other sharks.”
“Recognized by 1) the presence of distinct nasal barbels, 2) a first dorsal fin that originates above pelvic fins, and 3) a fan-like caudal fin, not separated into two distinct lobes. … First dorsal fin large, rounded, originates over pelvic fins; second dorsal fin slightly smaller than first, similar in shape”
“…snout very short, broadly rounded; mouth noticeably small, positioned near tip of snout”
“So sluggish that it can be easily approached by divers, however, this practice is unwise and dangerous as it could provoke an attack.”
“Considered potentially dangerous to swimmers and divers and has been implicated in attacks in other regions of the world.”
“Unquestionably very dangerous to man. … Known to attack and kill swimmers, surfers, and abalone divers in shallow waters in other regions. … It is well-documented that large white sharks off South Africa, the Farallon Islands near San Francisco, and elsewhere propel themselves completely clear of the surface of the water when attacking seals from below, attributing to the phrase ‘flying white sharks.’ Long been considered a prized game fish by anglers to the point that its numbers have been greatly reduced throughout the world.”
“…a single, well-developed lateral keel on each side of caudal peduncle, 6) a lunate caudal fin”
“One of the more dangerous species of sharks, however, due to its infrequent occurrence close to shore, the probability of attack on local swimmers is remote.”
“A dangerous shark known to attack stranded sailors far out at sea.”
“…a short and broadly rounded snout that is much shorter than width of mouth”
“Both jaws have large, broad-based, triangular teeth with strongly serrated edges and very deeply notched outer margins.”
“A very dangerous shark, especially when aroused.”
“A dangerous shark known to attack humans when sea disasters occur.”
“Both dorsals large, similar in size and shape”
“…a very short, broadly rounded snout that is much shorter than width of mouth”
“A dangerous shark because of its size and frequent occurrence in areas where people swim. … Numerous attacks have been attributed to the bull shark elsewhere with a few probably occurring in South Carolina waters.”
“Only dangerous when being handled.”
“Large adults are potentially dangerous to swimmers.”
“A potentially dangerous shark capable of attacking swimmers.”
“The skates and rays have pectoral fins that are connected to the head (not separated) and a more tapered, or even whip-like tail, often with venomous spines.”
“All sharks should be treated with caution and respect.”
“7) long, slender, smooth-edged teeth without lateral points on sides of cusps. … SIMILAR SPECIES: • The white shark (p. 72) has broad, triangular teeth with serrated edges.”
“The nurse shark (p. 60) also has a large second dorsal fin; however, the first dorsal fin originates over the pelvic fins, and nasal barbels are present.”
“…a second dorsal fin much smaller than first … The sand tiger shark (p. 64) and the lemon shark (p. 98) have a large second dorsal fin. … Both dorsals large, similar in size and shape”
“4) the absence of an interdorsal ridge … SIMILAR SPECIES: The oceanic whitetip shark (p. 82), the sandbar shark (p. 84), the bignose shark (p. 86), the silky shark (p. 88), the dusky shark (p. 90), and the night shark (p. 92) have an interdorsal ridge.”
- Sea Science: Jellyfish. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (7)
“Cannonball jellyfish are the most common jellyfish in our area, and fortunately, one of the least venomous.”
“Considered moderate to severe, sea nettle stings are similar to those of the lion’s mane.”
“…the sea wasp is the most venomous jellyfish inhabiting our waters.”
“Their potent sting can cause severe skin irritation and may require hospitalization.”
“Though they visit our coast only infrequently, swimmers should learn to identify these highly venomous creatures.”
“Severe stings can occur even when the animal is beached or dead.”
“The moon jelly is only slightly venomous.”
- 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.