Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Size:
Max. 200cm.  Mature females 120-140cm, mature males 130-150cm.

Appearance:
Medium sized typical requiem shark with a broadly rounded snout.  Coloration typically grey above and white underbelly.  First dorsal fin uniformly grey, all other fins with prominent dark margins.  Trailing edge of caudal fin with broad black band.

Distribution:
Widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, one of the three most commonly sighted sharks.  Found in coastal and pelagic waters in depths ranging from intertidal to 280m

General:
Most commonly observed during daytime in large aggregations at reef passes and drop offs.  Occasionally found resting motionless on the bottom.  More active nocturnally when these groups disperse with individuals heading into shallow water, including into lagoons.  A very inquisitive species, will investigate objects in the water.  Well-documented 'hunching' display when feeling threatened.

Feeding:
Diet mainly consists of bony fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans.  On occasion, Grey reef sharks have witnessed pack hunting where they herd schools of fish against the reef wall.

Reproduction:
Placental viviparous with a yolk-sac placenta.  Gestation period about 12 months with 1-6 pups per litter.  Size at birth between 40-60cm.

Similar Species:
None.

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