Carcharhinus melanopterus

Blacktip Reef Shark

1.0–1.8 meter
12–15 år
Sårbar
Om

Blacktip Reef Shark

The blacktip reef shark is one of the most easily recognised sharks in tropical waters, identified by the prominent black tips on its fins — especially the dorsal fin. These sleek, fast-swimming sharks patrol shallow reef flats and lagoons, often in water less than a metre deep. In Thailand, they are frequently encountered at popular dive sites around the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Tao, providing reliable shark sightings for divers of all experience levels.

Størrelse

1.0–1.8 meter

Vekt

11–24 kg

Levetid

12–15 år

Status

Sårbar

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

Similan Islands, ThailandPhi Phi Islands, ThailandKoh Tao, ThailandMaldiveneRaja Ampat, IndonesiaKomodo, IndonesiaFijiFransk PolynesiaRødehavet, Egypt

Dykketips

Blacktip reef sharks are skittish and will often flee from approaching divers. Stay low, move slowly, and maintain a respectful distance. Look for them cruising the shallows at the start and end of dives, particularly over sandy channels between reef patches. Snorkellers frequently spot them in shallow lagoons.

Beste sesong

November–April in Thailand (Andaman Sea), year-round on Gulf of Thailand sites

Habitat

Shallow coral reef flats, lagoons, and mangrove shorelines in the tropical Indo-Pacific, typically 0–30 metres

Kosthold

Small reef fish, mullet, grouper, wrasses, surgeonfish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans
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Morsomme fakta

1

They can survive in water so shallow their dorsal fin breaks the surface — a classic tropical beach scene

2

Blacktips are viviparous — mothers give birth to 2–5 live pups after a 10–11 month gestation

3

They are one of the few shark species known to leap fully out of the water while hunting

4

Individual blacktip reef sharks often patrol the same section of reef for years

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