| Cartilaginous Fishes | Sharks |
Blacktip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
| Conservation Status: Safe for Now
- 2
#2
- Courtesy of NOAA's NMFS
- Photo taken in the Mariana Islands
The blacktip reef shark is a common inhabitant of many tropical reef communities, frequently observed in relatively shallow water. Considered a harmless shark and unagressive, it is curious and will investigate things that are not common to its habitat. Although neither a solitary or schooling fish, it is frequently seen in small aggregations, especially when feeding.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Tropical Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii
- Amazing Facts
- At the Aquarium
Our blacktip reef sharks are found in the Tropical Pacific Gallery's Tropical Reef exhibit.