You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Blacktip reef shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Support Mote Animals

Fun Facts

Blacktip reef sharks give birth to live young, unlike other shark species that lay eggs.

Species Type:

Sharks & Rays, Fishes

Common Name(s):

Blacktip reef shark

Size:

Blacktop reef sharks grow to a maximum length of 5.2 feet (1.6 meters).

Diet:

These sharks eat other fishes, shrimps, crabs, octopuses, cuttlefish and mollusks.

Range & Habitat:

In the Indo-Pacific Ocean, these reef sharks inhabit shallow, clear waters near sand flats, coral reefs, mangroves, continental shelves and atolls.

Details:

Blacktip reef sharks have silvery-gray dorsal sides and white bellies. Eluded to in their name, these reef sharks have dark black spots on the end of all of their fins, including their tail.