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205 Featured Specimen
Blacktip reef shark

Details

Blacktip reef shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Size
0.9–1.8 m · 8–24 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Cathemeral
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
5-20 years

The blacktip reef shark is a small shark of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Cathemeral individuals patrol reef areas in loose association.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Pacific OceanPacific OceanPacific OceanIndian Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses shallow reefs, lagoons, and sandy reef edges. Warm clear coastal water and protected shallows for young are important.

Appearance

Length is about 90-180 cm and weight about 8-24 kg. A slim body, black-tipped fins, gray-brown back, and white underside are typical.

Behavior

Activity is flexible as it patrols reef margins. Individuals swim alone or loosely together, shifting with tides and prey movement.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, eating small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Quick turns help it close on prey in shallow water.

Reproduction

Young develop inside the mother and are born in shallow nursery areas. Juveniles grow in lagoons and shallows where cover is better.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Healthy reefs and shallow nursery habitat support local populations.