Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Carcharhinus limbatus
- Common name
- Blacktip shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Carcharhinidae
- Genus
- Carcharhinus
- Size
- 150–275 cm
- Depth
- 0–100 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- reef, open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, migratory
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Carcharhinus limbatus reaches 2.75 m. Grey-blue fusiform body with prominent black tips on pectoral, dorsal and anal fins (hence limbatus = bordered). Known for acrobatic leaps out of water while hunting baitfish schools. South African populations form the spectacular sardine-run gatherings. IUCN Vulnerable. Rarely aggressive toward divers but large size warrants caution.
Photo of Blacktip shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Blacktip shark?
- Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) reaches 150–275 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Blacktip shark?
- Blacktip shark is found between 0–100 m deep.
- Is the Blacktip shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Blacktip shark?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Blacktip shark?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Carcharhinus
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Carcharhinus perezi - Caribbean reef shark
- Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark
- Carcharhinus obscurus - Dusky shark
- Carcharhinus longimanus - Oceanic whitetip shark
- Carcharhinus galapagensis - Galapagos shark
Other species in the family Carcharhinidae
- Prionace glauca - Blue shark
- Triaenodon obesus - Whitetip reef shark
- Negaprion brevirostris - Lemon shark
- Negaprion acutidens - Sicklefin lemon shark
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105793)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2417970)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia