Overview

Whitetip reef sharks are characterized by their distinctive white tips on their dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins. They have a slender, streamlined body with a pointed snout and large, rounded pectoral fins. They are distinguished from other reef sharks by their white fin tips, which are more prominent than those of other species.

Commonly found in:

1. Australia
2. Indonesia
3. Malaysia
4. Philippines
5. South Africa
6. Egypt
7. Bahamas
8. Fiji
9. Maldives
10. Seychelles
11. Thailand
12. United States
13. Mexico
14. Brazil
15. Japan

Over the past 74 years, there have been 8 recorded attacks by whitetip 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 4.9-5.2 feet when mature; females average 5.2-5.5 feet
• Weight: Males typically weigh 84-94 pounds; females typically weigh 94-121 pounds
• Swimming speed: Both sexes swim at an average speed of 1-2 mph

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Generally non-aggressive, but may become curious
• Avoidance: Stay out of shallow reef areas at night
• Activity: Nocturnal, most active at night

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Both males and females live approximately 25 years
• Diet: Small reef fish, octopuses, crustaceans; hunts by wriggling into reef crevices

Migratory Patterns

Whitetip Reef Shark is generally non-migratory. It tends to stay within a limited home range, often associated with specific coral reef habitats. These sharks typically remain in the same area year-round, showing high site fidelity to particular reefs or reef systems.