Fauna
Fish

Blacktip Reef Shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Also known as Blackfin Reef Shark, Pacific Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip reef sharks cruise shallow coral lagoons and reef crests, their prominent dark fin tips breaking the surface as they patrol for prey. Highly social hunters, they often form small groups to corner schools of fish against shallow sandy banks. Females give birth to live pups in protected mangrove estuaries after a gestation period of nearly a year.

MarinePredatorReef Dweller
Blacktip Reef Shark reference1 / 7
Rickard Zerpe / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyReef Fish, Octopus, Crabs
Predators
  • Tiger Shark
  • Great Hammerhead Shark
  • Larger Reef Sharks
ThreatsOverfishing, reef degradation, shark fin trade, climate change
HabitatsCoral reefs, shallow lagoons, sandy flats, estuaries
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderCarcharhiniformes
  2. FamilyCarcharhinidae
  3. GenusCarcharhinus
  4. SpeciesCarcharhinus melanopterus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Generally timid around humans; keep a respectful distance and avoid carrying speared fish in the water.
Why it is dangerous
Bites are rare and typically defensive or mistaken identity during spearfishing and shallow wading.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for prominent black fin tips with distinct light borders on shallow reef patrols.
What to do
Never harass or corner reef sharks, and exit the water if feeding behavior accelerates.
What to notice
Recognized by black-tipped fins and yellow-brown countershading on shallow reefs.
Support conservation
Observe passively while snorkeling or diving without chasing or attempting to touch.
Responsible observation
  • Maintain Distance: Give swimming sharks plenty of space to prevent defensive behavior.
  • Avoid Spearfishing Scents: Exit the water if speared fish or blood are nearby in shallow lagoons.
  • Observe Quietly: Float calmly while snorkeling to watch natural patrolling behavior.
Related species
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