Blacktip Reef Shark Carcharhinus melanopterus

The Blacktip Reef Shark is native to sandy reefs but also coasts of the tropical Indian and western to mid Pacific Oceans. It has also used the Suez Canal to reach the eastern Mediterranean.

It has a black tip on its first dorsal fin, usually follwed by a whitish area, and a black tip on its tail fin. It grows to some one and a half metres long.

Its prey includes crustaceans, cephalopods and small fish but also carrion, seasnakes and opportunist taking of small rays/sharks and seabirds.

Although common around reefs, it is vulnerable from overfishing, more especially since it has a low reproduction rate. It gives birth to live young.