Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

Triaenodon obesus

Vulnerable
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DESCRIPTION

The Whitetip Reef Shark is a slender, medium-sized shark easily identified by the distinctive white tips on its dorsal and upper caudal fins. Primarily nocturnal, it spends its days resting in caves and under ledges on coral reefs and hunts at night for bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. These sharks are generally social, often found in groups during the day, but can hunt individually or cooperatively.

Max Length 2.1 m
Max Weight 23.3 kg
Lifespan 14 - 25 years
Habitat Seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 1 - 330 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Whitetip Reef Shark

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Whitetip Reef Shark has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Whitetip Reef Shark

Where can you see the Whitetip Reef Shark?

The Whitetip Reef Shark can be seen at 40 dive destinations in 10 countries. The best spots include Apo Reef (Philippines), Ari Atoll (Maldives), Baa Atoll (Maldives), Gordon Rocks (Ecuador), and Great Barrier Reef (Australia).

What is the best time to see the Whitetip Reef Shark?

Sightings of the Whitetip Reef Shark peak at different times depending on the destination: Richelieu Rock from February to May and from October to December, Tubbataha Reefs from March to June, and Revillagigedo Islands from March to October.

Can you see the Whitetip Reef Shark all year round?

Yes. At Apo Reef, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Gordon Rocks, and Great Barrier Reef, the Whitetip Reef Shark is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Whitetip Reef Shark in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Whitetip Reef Shark at Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, North Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Addu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah.

Where can you see the Whitetip Reef Shark in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Whitetip Reef Shark at Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, Ningaloo reef, Osprey Reef, and Ribbon Reefs.

Where can you see the Whitetip Reef Shark in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Whitetip Reef Shark at Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, Punta Vicente Roca, and Galapagos Islands.

How big does the Whitetip Reef Shark get?

The Whitetip Reef Shark can reach up to 2.1 m in length and 23.3 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Whitetip Reef Shark live in?

The Whitetip Reef Shark is found in these habitats: seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Whitetip Reef Shark live?

The Whitetip Reef Shark lives between 1 and 330 m deep.

What does the Whitetip Reef Shark eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Whitetip Reef Shark most active?

Active after dark, resting or hidden away during the day. Night dives are when it comes out.

How long does the Whitetip Reef Shark live?

The Whitetip Reef Shark lives 14 to 25 years.

What is the conservation status of the Whitetip Reef Shark?

The Whitetip Reef Shark is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Whitetip Reef Shark. Spotted something that looks off?

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