Blacktip reef sharks are easily recognized by their distinct black marks on their fins particularly the first dorsal and lower lobe of the caudal fin. They are small to medium in size, with a short, blunt snout.

SIZE

The blacktip reef shark can grow up to 6 feet long, and their length at birth is approximately 13 to 20 inches in long.

TEETH

Their teeth are narrow, sharp, and strongly serrated, designed for eating the reef fish that comprise their main food. The teeth are located in rows which are replaced as needed due to lost, broken, or worn down.

COLOR

The body is blue-gray in color. With their distinct black markings on dorsal and caudal fins they also have a conspicuous white slash along their flanks.

FEEDING HABITS

Blacktip reef sharks mostly eat reef fish. It commonly preys on sturgeon fishes and mullet, and terrestrial snakes. There was even a report of a blacktip reef sharks chasing schooling fish onto shore and sliding up onto the beach to capture them. These sharks are also preyed upon by other sharks.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

The blacktip reef shark is usually found singly, although they have been known to hunt in small groups

HABITAT

Blacktip reef sharks are most common in shallow lagoons and coral reefs of the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. In recent years some have entered the eastern Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. They are most commonly seen patrolling in shallow waters from about 12 inches to 33 feet.

LIFE SPAN

Unknown

REPRODUCTION

The blacktip reef sharks are viviiparous with the yolk sac being attached by the placenta and gives birth from 2-4 pups. Gestation period is approximately 16 months and the pups measuring 13-20 inches.

SWIMMING

They are known to be fast swimmers.

SHARK ATTACKS

The blacktip reef sharks will attack speared fish, and are curious, but not aggressive, around divers. On rare occasions, because these sharks patrol shallow water, they have bitten waders on the legs and ankles due to the splashing commotion by the waders.

POPULATION REPORT

They are a common shark and because they are a small hardy species a number of them have been captured and sent to public aquariums worldwide.