The Whitetip Reef Shark

(Triaenodon Obesus)

These sharks live close to shore, at depths between 30 and 130 feet. During the day, divers may find them resting in caves, or under rock and coral ledges. They are active at night and during slack tides. They can become accustomed to divers, and will approach out of curiosity. Although they are normally not aggresive, they should be approached with caution, and be treated respectfully.

This shark has a slender body with two dorsal fins. The dorsal and caudal fins are tipped in white, thus giving it it's common name. The snout is short and rounded, and occasionally they have spiracles. The teeth are small, and have smooth edges, and are flanked by small cusps. Coloring is gray to brown above, fading to a pale underside. Dark blotches are sometimes found along it's flanks.

Reproduction: Females give birth from one to five pups per litter, after a gestation period of 13 months.


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