Blacktip reef shark
The black-tip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) has characteristic black spots on its tips. This staining is much more obvious on its dorsal fin as it is outlined below it.
Where to find them?
In the Tropical Area and Access Building.
General notes
It is a medium-sized shark that tends to be about 120 cm long and is characterised by having a short snout, oval eyes and a bigger first dorsal fin.
Geographic distribution
On the east African coast, and in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, Indonesia, North Australia to Japan, and islands throughout the Pacific.
Feeds on
Fish, crustaceans, cephalopods and molluscs
Reproduction
Placenta viviparous (between 2 and 4 offspring per birth)
Curious facts
This species can be sporadically noted in the eastern Mediterranean as it forays from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal.
All fins have some characteristic black markings on tips. This is much more obvious on the dorsal fin due to the light staining outlined under it.
Its scientific name (melano=black) refers to the darks markings on its fins.
Degree of Threat: Near Threatened according to the IUCN