How big is the Blacktip reef shark?

Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) reaches 80–200 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blacktip reef shark?

Blacktip reef shark is found between 0–75 m deep.

Where can you find the Blacktip reef shark?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Carcharhinus melanopterus
Common name: Blacktip reef shark
Category: Fish
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
Size: 80–200 cm
Depth: 0–75 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, sand
Behaviours: solitary, schooling
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Carcharhinus melanopterus reaches 2 m. Slender brown-gray above, white below, with distinctive black tips on first dorsal, caudal, pelvic and pectoral (hence melanopterus). Lives from 0 to 75 m mainly in shallow lagoons, passes and outer reefs of entire Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Polynesia). Patrols surface, visible snorkeling. No danger to humans without harassment. Listed VU by fin overfishing. Iconic encounters: Bora Bora, Maldives, Red Sea.

Photo of Blacktip reef shark

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blacktip reef shark?: Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) reaches 80–200 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blacktip reef shark?: Blacktip reef shark is found between 0–75 m deep.
Is the Blacktip reef shark dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blacktip reef shark?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Blacktip reef shark?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Carcharhinus

Other species in the family Carcharhinidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105795)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2417981)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia