Fish

Blacktip Reef Shark

Scientific Name

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Other Common Name(s)

Blackfin Reef Shark, Blacktip Shark

Body Weight

Up to 24 kg

Body Length

Up to 2 m

Habitat

Coastal waters and coral reefs

Diet

Fish, cephalopods such as squid and octopus, as well as crustaceans

Fun Facts

Blacktip reef sharks are often found on reef flats with very shallow water. Their fins may break the water surface, and it is believed that some may jump out of the water.

Blacktip reef sharks are viviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young. They give birth to only two to four pups at a time and typically breed only once every two years.

Distribution

Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Eastern Mediterranean Sea, including the waters of countries such as India, China, Australia, and Madagascar. Native to Hong Kong.

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Climate Change

Blacktip reef sharks are captured by the coastal fisheries of Thailand and India. They are used for their fins, meat and liver oil. As they have small bodies, their market value is relatively low and they are not the main targets of fishers. However, these sharks are still susceptible to overfishing due to their low reproductive rate, and there is a declining trend in their population.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

Vulnerable

CITES

Appendix II

Conservation

Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong

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