blacktip reef shark
| Scientific name | Carcharhinus melanopterus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Quoy & Gaimard |
| Year of description | 1824 |
| IUCN category | VU |
| Family | Carcharhinidae |
| Genus | Carcharhinus |
Introduction
Carcharhinus melanopterus, commonly known as blacktip reef shark, is a salt water fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size100 cm
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Maximum size180 cm
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Longevity15 year
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ShapeOval
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Average size100 cm
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Maximum size180 cm
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Longevity15 year
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ShapeOval
How to recognize the blacktip reef shark ?
The blacktip reef shark measures around 100 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 180 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron body.
Sexual dimorphism
The female is bigger than the male.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in small groups
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The blacktip reef shark hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
The blacktip reef shark is a fish living in small groups. The members of each group are organized around a well established hierarchy. This species is carnivorous .
Although the blacktip reef shark is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
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Migratory speciesYes
The blacktip reef shark is a fish ovipare.
Risks for humans
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VenomousNo
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BiteYes
This species can attack if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant especially during dives or fishing sessions.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 28 °C
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Depth10 - 75 m
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EnvironmentActive pelagic
Biotope presentation
The blacktip reef shark is most often found at a depth between 10m and 75m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Population structure, spatial distribution and life-history traits of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus - J. Mourier - S. C. Mills - S. Planes - WILEY - 2013.
Validated age, growth and reproductive biology of Carcharhinus melanopterus, a widely distributed and exploited reef shark - Andrew Chin - Colin Simpfendorfer - Andrew Tobin - Michelle Heupel - CSIRO - 2013.
Where to see this species?
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners
