Overview
Caribbean reef sharks are characterized by their slender, streamlined bodies, with a pointed snout and large, crescent-shaped pectoral fins. Their coloration is typically gray to brown on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter shade on the ventral side. They can be distinguished from other similar species, such as the blacknose shark, by their lack of a black tip on their snout and their smaller size. Caribbean reef sharks typically reach a maximum length of around 6 feet.
Commonly found in:
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Panama
- United States (Florida)
- Honduras
- Colombia
- Guatemala
Over the past 56 years, there have been 15 recorded attacks by Caribbean Reef Sharks. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:
- LIST OF BEACHES HERE
Size and Weight
- Size: Males average between 6.5-8 feet when mature; females average between 7-9 feet when mature
- Weight: Males typically weigh 150-200 pounds; females typically weigh 200-250 pounds
- Swimming speed: Both sexes can reach speeds of up to 20-25 mph
Interaction with Humans
- Interaction with Humans: Generally non-aggressive, but may become curious around divers
- Avoidance: Stay out of shallow reef areas, avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, and night
- Activity: Most active during daytime and twilight hours
Lifespan and Diet
- Lifespan: Males generally live 15-20 years; females generally live 20-25 years
- Diet: Primarily fish, occasionally squid and crustaceans; hunts by patrolling reefs and using short bursts of speed to catch prey
Migratory Patterns
Caribbean Reef Shark exhibits limited migratory behavior. They typically remain within their home ranges near coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the western Atlantic Ocean. Some individuals may undertake short-distance movements between nearby reefs or along coastlines, but they do not engage in long-distance migrations across ocean basins or between countries.
