Details
Carcharhinus melanopterus
The blacktip reef shark is a small shark of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Cathemeral individuals patrol reef areas in loose association.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses shallow reefs, lagoons, and sandy reef edges. Warm clear coastal water and protected shallows for young are important.
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.
Activity is flexible as it patrols reef margins. Individuals swim alone or loosely together, shifting with tides and prey movement.
It is carnivorous, eating small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Quick turns help it close on prey in shallow water.
Young develop inside the mother and are born in shallow nursery areas. Juveniles grow in lagoons and shallows where cover is better.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Healthy reefs and shallow nursery habitat support local populations.
