Blacktip Reef Shark
Scientific name Carcharhinus melanopterus
The Blacktip reef shark is a species of requiem shark from the family Carcharhinidae. It can be easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins, especially the dorsal fin. These are among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They prefer shallow, inshore waters which is why they can be common snorkelling sights around Koh Tao.
Blacktip reef sharks have very small home territories and show very strong site fidelity, staying in the same local area for several years at a time. That means that if you see a shark in a certain bay, you can almost guarantee that it will stay there.
Like other members of this family of shark, the Blacktip reef shark is viviparous – females give birth to 2-5 live young on a biennial or annual cycle. Gestation periods range from 7-11 months, sometimes up to 16 months long. Newborn baby sharks are independent and grow up inshore in the shallow waters near protected shorelines.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the Blacktip reef shark as Near Threatened. The species is still fairly widespread, however, overfishing of this slow to reproduce shark has led to its decline in a number of locations.
Find Blacktip Reef Shark at...
Divemaster's tip
You won’t often see these sharks on a dive trip. They’re timid, skittish, and quite scared of the noise made by scuba regulators. But you can head over to Shark Bay and snorkel with adolescent Blacktip reef sharks, or check out Hin Wong bay to see the tiny juvenile sharks swimming in the shallows. The adults will be difficult to approach, but will not be afraid to cruise by you, whereas the juveniles will swim right up to you and explore what you are.
What do they eat?
Blacktip reef sharks are active predators of small bony fishes, cephalopods like octopus and cuttlefish, crustaceans, and have even been known to feed on sea snakes and sea birds.
