Blacktip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Rarity
- Rare
- Observations
- 2,798
- Most observed in
- 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
- Conservation
- Vulnerable
Description
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, which can be easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and its caudal fin). Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species prefers shallow, inshore waters. Its exposed first dorsal fin is a common sight in the region.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Blacktip reef shark”.