Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Phylum

Chordata

 Blacktip Shark

Class

Chondrichthyes

Order

Carcharhiniformes

Family

Carcharhinidae

 

Common names :

Blacktip shark,Grey shark, Blackfin shark, Spotfin shark.
Diet :

Small to large fish and squid.
Reproduction : Viviparous : Females give birth to between  4 to 8 live young per litter after a gestation period of 10 to 11 months. 
Size : Maximum 2.8 metres  Average female 1.85 metres Average male 1.95 metres

 

Distribution of Blacktip Shark

Distribution : Worldwide in tropical and sub-tropical waters. Usually found close inshore around shallow sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and muddy estuaries. Also found offshore around oceanic islands.

 

Danger to man :

Potentially dangerous, especially if a food stimulus is close. They will usually avoid humans, often coming close to the shore in groups (within 50 metres) chasing schools of fish where hundreds of bathers have gathered unaware of their 'neighbours'.
Economic Importance : Can sometimes be fished from beaches during summer months.
Other Comments : The Blacktip is very similar to the Spinner shark - Carcharhinus brevipinna, often being confused for one another. Both species are known to leap out of the water, twisting in the air, when chasing schools of fish.