Blacktip Reef Shark, Carcharhinus melanopterus

Size:
Max. 200cm.  Mature females 100-130cm, mature males 90-170cm.

Appearance:
A small requiem shark with a short, bluntly rounded snout.  Coloration a light grey/silvery body with distinct white band on the flanks.  First dorsal and lower lobe of caudal fin always with black tips, bordered with a white band, other fin tips and trailing edges may also show black colouring.  Interdorsal ridge absent.

Distribution:
Wide ranging throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean.  Depth ranges from intertidal to around 10m.

General:
This species prefers the shallow inshore waters.  Often observed on reef flats and in lagoons.  Has been known to form aggregations in reef channels during low tide before heading onto the flats during high tide.

Feeding:
Generally a night time feeder.  Diet consists of small bony fishes, squid, octopus and crustaceans.  Have been witnessed hunting in packs on the reef flats.

Reproduction:
Placental viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta.  Gestation period about 9 months with 2-4 pups per litter.  Size at birth between 30-50cm

Similar Species:
Can be mistaken for the Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus).  However has no distinct black tip on its first dorsal fin.

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