The Blacktip Reef Shark(Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a cartilaginous fish classified in the order Carcharhiniformes, and the family Carcharhinidae.
| Genus | Carcharhinus |
| Species | C. melanopterus |
| Binomial Name | Carcharhinus melanopterus |
| Length | 1.6-2.9 m(5’3”-9’6.2”) |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Vulnerable |
Physical Characteristics
A Blacktip Reef Shark has black tips on all of its fins. Its body is a grayish-brown above and white below. This species has a rounded snout and oval shaped eyes.
Range and Habitat
The Blacktip Reef Shark inhabits tropical waters of the Indian Ocean through to the central Pacific. This species can also be seen in the Mediterranean.
Reproduction
Blacktip Reef Sharks give birth to live young. This species is viviparous, this means the unborn pups are nourished by a placenta. The gestation period is typically 7-11 months, but gestation periods as long as 16 months have been reported. The mother gives birth to 2 to 4 pups.
Diet
Blacktip Reef Sharks eat fish, such as; surgeonfish, mullet, groupers, grunters, jacks, mojarras, wrasses, and smelt-whitings. They also eat squid, cuttlefish, octopuses, shrimp, carrion, and sea snakes.
Fun Facts
- Blacktip Reef Sharks live between 15 to 25 years.
- They are not very hostile, but are curious and will approach divers and snorkelers.
