Whitetip reef shark

Taxobox
name = Whitetip reef shark
status = LR/nt | status_system = IUCN2.3
trend = unknown

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image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Chondrichthyes
subclassis = Elasmobranchii
ordo = Carcharhiniformes
familia = Carcharhinidae
genus = "Triaenodon"
genus_authority = Müller & Henle, 1837
species = "T. obesus"
binomial = "Triaenodon obesus"
binomial_authority = (Rüppell, 1837)

The whitetip reef shark, "Triaenodon obesus", is a requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae, the only member of the genus "Triaenodon".

Habitat and distribution

The whitetip reef shark is one of the most common sharks found in shallow tropical and warm temperate water around coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It occurs at depths down to convert|330|m. Snorkelers often encounter these sharks.

Anatomy and appearance

As its name suggests, the tips of the shark's first dorsal fin and upper caudal fin are white. The upper body is grey/brownish. Their average length is about convert|140|to|160|cm and the maximum reported length is convert|2.1|m.cite book |last=Kindersley |first= Dorling |year=2001,2005 |title=Animal |location=New York City |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=0-7894-7764-5] Its head is broad and flat.

Diet

The whitetip reef shark feeds primarily on crustaceans, octopusi, and fish.

Behavior

This bottom dwelling shark is nocturnal and is often seen resting on the bottom during the day, sometimes in small groups. It is not aggressive and will generally swim away if disturbed, although it may bite if harassed. At night it hunts among crevices in the reef.

Reproduction

Reproduction is viviparous, with one to five pups in a litter, the gestation period being at least five months. The shark's size at birth ranges from convert|50|cm to convert|60|cm. It is estimated that this shark can live for about 25 years and it reaches maturity after about five years.

ee also

* List of sharks

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened
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* [http://www.auf-spearfishing.com.au/Documentation/Coral%20Sea%20Shark%20Report%202008-7.pdf Community monitoring of reef sharks in the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea 2008] Australian Underwater Federation

External links

* ARKive - [http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/fish/Triaenodon_obesus/ images and movies of the whitetip reef shark "(Triaenodon obesus)"]
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