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The whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus is a shark of tropical and warm temperate seas.
Habitat and distribution
The whitetip reef shark is one of the most common sharks found in shallow water around coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It occurs at depths down to 330 meters.
Anatomy and appearance
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As its name suggests, the tips of the shark's first dorsal fin and upper caudal fin are white. The upper body is grey/brownish. Their average length is about 140 to 160 cm and the maximum reported length is 244 cm. Its head is broad and flat.
Diet
The whitetip reef shark feeds primarily on crustaceans, octopuses and fish.
Behaviour
This bottom dwelling shark is nocturnal and is often seen resting on the bottom during the day, sometimes in small groups. It is not aggressive and will generally swim away if disturbed, although it may bite if harassed. At night it hunts among crevices in the reef.
Reproduction
Reproduction is viviparous, with one to five pups in a litter, the gestation period is at least five months. The shark's size at birth ranges from 50-60 cm. It is estimated that this shark can live for about 25 years and it reaches maturity after about 5 years.
See also
References
- Vorlage:IUCN2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened
- Weißspitzen-Riffhai im Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
- Vorlage:FishBase species
