BLACKTIP REEF SHARK
Blacktip Reef Sharks are sleek tropical sharks recognized by the bold black markings on the tips of their fins. They patrol shallow coral reefs, lagoons and reef flats throughout the Indo-Pacific, often swimming close enough to shore for their dorsal fins to break the surface.
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ABOUT BLACKTIP REEF SHARKS
The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a tropical requiem shark found throughout much of the Indo-Pacific. Its range stretches from the Red Sea and East Africa across southern and eastern Asia to Australia, the Pacific islands and Hawaii. These sharks are especially associated with warm, shallow coral reefs and lagoons.
Blacktip Reef Sharks are easy to recognize because of the dark markings on their fins, especially the prominent black tip on the first dorsal fin. Their streamlined bodies are usually gray to brown above with a pale underside, helping them blend into the reef environment when viewed from different angles.
These sharks mainly hunt small reef fish but will also eat crustaceans, squid and other marine invertebrates. They may hunt alone, in small groups or in larger aggregations. Juveniles often use extremely shallow reef flats, lagoons and mangrove habitats where larger predators have more difficulty reaching them.
Care & Conservation
Blacktip Reef Sharks are classified as Vulnerable. Their populations are affected by fishing pressure, bycatch and changes to coral reef and coastal habitats. Protecting healthy reefs, lagoons and mangrove nursery areas is important for maintaining Blacktip Reef Shark populations and the many other species that depend on these ecosystems.
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Visit Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters and discover this incredible tropical reef shark up close.