Whitetip reef shark

Whitetip reef shark

 

Scientific name : Triaenodon obesus
Family : Carcharhinidae
Size : Up to 220 cm
Depth : Up to 40 m
Distribution : Red sea, Indian ocean, Pacific ocean

 

Morphology : The slender body is grey with sometimes a few black spots. The tips of the dorsal and caudal fins are marked with white.

 

Biology : During the day, it remains sheltered in reef caves. At night it hunts for food (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans). It is a viviparous species (the embryo grows inside the female’s belly). It can give birth to several young (5 max.).

 

IUCN red list : Minor concern