Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Carcharhinus perezi
- Common name
- Caribbean reef shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Carcharhinidae
- Genus
- Carcharhinus
- Size
- 200–295 cm
- Depth
- 1–378 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- reef, open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean
Description
Carcharhinus perezi reaches 3 m. The most common reef shark in the Caribbean. Often seen along drop-offs and around wrecks. Main attraction of shark dives in the Bahamas and Cuba. IUCN Endangered following overfishing for fins.
Photo of Caribbean reef shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Caribbean reef shark?
- Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) reaches 200–295 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Caribbean reef shark?
- Caribbean reef shark is found between 1–378 m deep.
- Is the Caribbean reef shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Caribbean reef shark?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Caribbean reef shark?
- Found in: Caribbean.
Other species in the genus Carcharhinus
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark
- Carcharhinus obscurus - Dusky shark
- Carcharhinus longimanus - Oceanic whitetip shark
- Carcharhinus galapagensis - Galapagos shark
- Carcharhinus leucas - Bull 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 298438)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2418059)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia