The whitetip reef shark is a curious species that often approaches divers. Source: Compagno 1984. Coral reef poster. Whitetip reef shark. Whitetip reef sharks are extremely common throughout the tropical Indian Ocean and west/central Pacific. ... Habitat. (Compagno, 2005) It prefers caves and coral reefs, often be found resting by the bottom of the ocean by day and hunting by night (Compagno, 2005). The oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus is much stockier and has long spatulate pectoral fins. The Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), is a large species of requiem shark, in the genus Carcharhinus.The Oceanic whitetip reef shark reaches a maximum length of 4 metres, and can weigh as much as 170 kg (370 pounds). Their preferred habitat is in caves and crevices at coral reefs. Its stocky body is most notable for its long, white-tipped, rounded fins. Tropical Reefs and associated sand flats. While all three species range from the shores of Madagascar to the reefs of Hawaii (and on to South America for the Whitetip reef shark), they generally do not migrate. Coral Reefs: Diversity on Display Whitetip Reef Shark. Habitat. This animal has a restricted habitat and depth range, have small litters and moderately mature late. A specialist in capturing reef fish in coral caves and crevices. However because of their slow reproduction rate, late age maturity and limited habitat, any human interference has a big effect. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is an ocean shark popular with many common names such as black-finned shark, blackfin reef shark, gunman, blacktip shark, and reef blacktip shark.. As you may have guessed, this awesome fish got its name from the striking black tips on its fins and its pointed snout. The whitetip reef shark is widely distributed across the entire Indo-Pacific region. The Oceanic whitetip shark is often very bold and persistent when it is inspecting a potential food source. Diet. 205).During courtship and prior to copulation, the male bites the female on her right pectoral fin and uses his medially flexed right clasper in copulation (Ref. The whitetip reef shark often does not react to swimmers or divers unless approached, in which case it flees or keeps a distance between itself and the people involved. It is found in tropical marine waters often associated with coral reefs or lying on the bottom in caves and under ledges. The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), also known as Brown Milbert's sand bar shark, brown shark, lesser white shark, nigano shark, oceanic white-tipped whaler, and silvertip shark, is a large pelagic requiem shark inhabiting tropical and warm temperate seas. Habitat. Zebra shark. Zebra moray. Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) are found in clear shallow waters surrounding coral reefs ranging from the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, South Pacific and all the way to portions of the … Habitat and distribution. Whitetip Reef Sharks coexist with two other very similar sharks, the Blacktip Reef shark and the Grey Reef Shark. It avoids close contact with humans, swimming off when approached by swimmers and divers. It is not considered dangerous to humans. Average adult size: Adults can grow to be 7 feet long. The habitat preferences of this species overlap those of the other two, though it does not tend to frequent very shallow water like the blacktip reef shark, nor the outer reef like the grey reef shark. Habitat. Yellow-headed jawfish. The Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon Obesus), is a species of requiem shark, and the only member of its genus.The Whitetip reef shark gets its name because of the white tips on its first dorsal fin and caudal fin.This shark has a slim body, with a short, wide head, a … There are a number of other whitetipped sharks. Explore this habitat. The whitetip reef shark is a medium-sized shark averaging about 1.6 meters in length and 20 kg in mass, but growing as big as 2 meters and 28 kg. This species of shark can be distinguished among other species by its large, rounded first dorsal fin, and its very long, wide, paddle-like pectoral fins. It is grey in color with a white belly and characteristic white tips on its first dorsal, upper caudal and occasionally the pelvic fins. Whitetip Reef Shark, Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1837) Whitetip Reef Shark, Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1837) This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Although it was historically considered one of the most abundant shark species, research has suggested that the oceanic whitetip has suffered population A whitetip reef shark looks like a permanent grump with a downward mouth. Because of their slow reproductive rate, late age of maturity, and limited habitat, human disturbance has any great effect. Today, the Trump administration announced the oceanic whitetip shark will be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, the first shark species to receive these protections in Atlantic continental U.S. waters. The whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, and the only member of its genus.A small shark usually not exceeding 1.6 m (5.2 ft) in length, this species is easily recognizable by its slender body and short but broad head, as well as tubular skin flaps beside the nostrils, oval eyes with vertical pupils, and white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins. Habitat: The Whitetip Reef Shark is closely associated with coral reefs in clear, tropical waters. Its most outstanding feature is the white tip in the dorsal and tail fin.In length, it can reach up to 244 cm (96 in). Despite having a face that looks strangely like that of a disgruntled weasel, the Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) is generally unaggressive toward humans who invade its environment.Although it often rests in caves during daylight hours, this species is probably the most commonly-encountered shark of the tropical Pacific. Its restricted habitat, depth range, small litter size and moderately late age at maturity suggest that, with increasing fishing pressure, this species may become threatened . The oceanic whitetip shark is a unique species of fish that is known as quite a powerful predator. More about Whitetip Reef Shark . Overview — The whitetip reef shark does indeed have white tips on its dorsal and caudal fins, giving the fins a sort of matchstick appearance because the white contrasts with their tough, dark gray skin. The shark has a flat snout unlike other species which tend to have a much more pointed snout. Similar species: The whitetip reef shark is easily distinguished from other carcharhinids by its slender body and habits. Also, as the name suggests, they live in or around coral reefs, but also may be found in many of the world’s oceans. Whitetip Reef Shark native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis, the whitetip reef shark is a close relative to the lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) and the sliteye shark (Loxodon). They occupy the intermediate position on the evolutionary tree of carcharhinids. The oceanic whitetip shark is found throughout the world in tropical and sub-tropical waters.It is a pelagic species, generally remaining offshore in the open ocean, on the outer continental shelf, or around oceanic islands in water depths greater than 600 feet. Oceanic whitetip sharks may not be as famous as great whites or hammerheads, but they have been responsible for more human deaths. Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Whitetip Reef shark is distributed widely across the entire Indo-Pacific region. This position is between the most basal genera and the most derived. 244); usually 2 or 3 pups after a gestation period of > 5 months (Ref.58048).Size at birth 52-60 cm TL (Ref. Scuba pioneer Jacques Cousteau once called the oceanic whitetip “the most dangerous of all sharks,” but divers with extensive shark experience tend to have a more nuanced take on the species. 49562, 51119). So even though low levels of Whitetip Reef fishing are occurring, it is enough to hit population levels. 50449), with 1 to 5 young per litter (Ref. When the people are gone, this habitat seems deserted. Beaches & dunes. 9997).Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. Scientific Name: Carcharhinus longimanus Characteristics: This thick-bodied shark features a wide, blunt snout and long, rounded pectoral and dorsal fins. WHITETIP REEF SHARK Triaenodon obesus Habitat: Whitetip reef sharks typically are found resting in caves and under ledges. Whitetip Reef Sharks Silvertip Reef Shark Although they only grow to about 1.6 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) in length, these sharks are the apex predators on the very delicate coral reefs. This means that with increased fishing pressure, this species may become threatened. Viviparous, placental (Ref. Distribution. Download poster. From the surface to 330m but usually found between 5-40m. Whitetip reef shark's description Whitetip reef shark is a relatively small species, few whitetip reef sharks are longer than 1.6 m (5.2 ft). Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) the Jekyll and Hyde of sharks. NOTE The shark has been implicated in a number of unprovoked attacks on swimmers and divers. The Whitetip Reef Shark is a smaller, greyish brown shark with a distinctive white tip on its dorsal and caudal fins. See more habitats ... and the distant, dark floor of the deep sea. Carcharhinus longimanus, as it is known by its scientific name, or silvertip shark, as it is commonly referred to, the oceanic whitetip is a large pelagic requiem shark that usually inhabits certain tropical and temperate waters. The maximum length this species attains is often given as 2.1 m (6.9 ft), though this was originally based on visual observations and may be dubious. Primarily nocturnal, they shelter in caves by day and often return to a home cave for periods of days, weeks or more. 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