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    Blacktip reef shark

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    Graceful and stealthy, these reef dwellers navigate the coral maze with finesse, showcasing their iconic black-tipped fins

    mjwinoz








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    Blacktip reef shark

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

    Graceful and stealthy, these reef dwellers navigate the coral maze with finesse, showcasing their iconic black-tipped fins

    Population

    A small to medium-sized species of shark that is well-recognized for its distinctive black-tipped fins, which stand out against its pale grey to brownish body with a white underbelly. This contrast is particularly evident in the first dorsal fin and the caudal fin, which give this species its common name.

    Found predominantly in the shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, blacktip reef sharks favor coral reefs, mangroves, and the shallow flats surrounding islands and atolls. Typically, they are among the most abundant sharks in nearshore waters, particularly around oceanic islands. They tend to inhabit waters no deeper than 30 meters (98 feet), but they can be spotted occasionally at depths of up to 75 meters (245 feet).

    Adults of this species usually measure between 1.6 and 1.8 meters (5.2 to 5.9 feet) in length, although the largest individuals can reach lengths of 2 meters (6.6 feet). These sharks have a fusiform body shape—streamlined and rounded, tapering at both ends—allowing for efficient navigation through their complex coral environments.

    Their diet is quite varied, reflecting the rich biodiversity of their habitat. They often feed on small schooling fish, squids, octopuses, and crustaceans. Occasionally, they might also consume small rays or sea snakes. Blacktip reef sharks are known to exhibit a feeding strategy that involves herding fish into shallow water to trap and consume them, displaying a high level of intelligence and adaptability.

    Socially, these sharks are often observed in small groups, although they do not form tight schools like some shark species. Their social behavior seems to be rather complex and may include hierarchy structures within groups. During the mating season, the social dynamics become more pronounced, and the competition among males can be intense.

    Distribution

    Country
    Population est.
    Status
    Year
    Comments
    Indian Ocean
    2020
    Pacific Ocean
    2020
    Mediterranean Sea
    2020
    Black Sea
    2020
    Red Sea
    2020
    American Samoa
    2020
    Australia
    2020
    Bangladesh
    2020
    British Indian T.
    2020
    Brunei
    2020
    Cambodia
    2020
    China
    2020
    Christmas Island
    2020
    Cocos Is. (Keeling)
    2020
    Comoros
    2020
    Cook Islands
    2020
    Costa Rica
    2020
    Cocos I.
    Djibouti
    2020
    East Timor
    2020
    Egypt
    2020
    Eritrea
    2020
    Fiji
    2020
    French Polynesia
    2020
    Guam
    2020
    Hong Kong
    2020
    India
    2020
    Indonesia
    2020
    Iran
    2020
    Iraq
    2020
    Israel
    2020
    Japan
    2020
    Kenya
    2020
    Kiribati
    2020
    Madagascar
    2020
    Malaysia
    2020
    Maldives
    2020
    Marshall Islands
    2020
    Mauritius
    2020
    Mayotte
    2020
    Micronesia
    2020
    Mozambique
    2020
    Myanmar
    2020
    Nauru
    2020
    New Caledonia
    2020
    Niue
    2020
    Nort. Mariana Is.
    2020
    Oman
    2020
    Pakistan
    2020
    Palau
    2020
    Papua New Guinea
    2020
    Philippines
    2020
    Qatar
    2020
    Réunion
    2020
    Samoa
    2020
    Saudi Arabia
    2020
    Seychelles
    2020
    Singapore
    2020
    Solomon Islands
    2020
    Somalia
    2020
    South Africa
    2020
    Sri Lanka
    2020
    Sudan
    2020
    Taiwan
    2020
    Tanzania
    2020
    Thailand
    2020
    Tokelau
    2020
    Tonga
    2020
    Tunisia
    2020
    Seasonality Uncertain
    Tuvalu
    2020
    UAE
    2020
    US Minor Is.
    2020
    Vanuatu
    2020
    Vietnam
    2020
    Wallis & Futuna
    2020
    Yemen
    2020

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    Get to know me

    Terrestrial / Aquatic

    Altricial / Precocial

    Polygamous / Monogamous

    Dimorphic / Monomorphic

    Active: Diurnal (size) / Nocturnal

    Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

    Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

    Migratory: Yes / No

    Domesticated: Yes / No

    Dangerous: Yes / No

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE
    Vulnerable(IUCN)
    World Population
    Added by BioDB
    Become a Patron

    Threats

    Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

    My ID

    Scientific name: Carcharhinus melanopterus Other names:

    Blackfin reef shark
    Black-finned shark
    Blacktip shark
    Reef blacktip shark
    Guliman

    Physical traits

    Length: 2 m (6 ft) Weight: 14 kg (30 pounds) Lifespan: 12 years Gestation: 7 – 11 months Offspring: 2 – 4 pups
    Habitats: Marine Coral reef
    Regions: Indian ocean Africa Pacific ocean Asia North America Oceania
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