Grey Reef Shark - Sharkworld

Phylum	Chordata
Class	Chondrichthyes
Order	Carcharhiniformes
Family	Carcharhinidae

Common names :	Grey reef shark, Long-nosed black tail shark.
Diet :	Small fish.
Reproduction :	Viviparous : Females give birth to up to 6 live young per litter after a years gestation. Adults reach maturity after 7 years.
Size :	Maximum 2.5 metres Average female 1.6 metres Average male 1.4 metres

Distribution : Tropical and sub-tropical waters from East Africa to the central Pacific ocean. The most common shark found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Found from the surface to depths of 100 metres around coral reefs, atolls and lagoons.

Danger to man :	Potentially dangerous. Has attacked divers and spear-fisherman especially when wounded fish are present. Is known to have caused at least one fatality.
Economic Importance :	Has become a popular shark for recreational diving trips and so has helped the economy of some areas of the Indo-Pacific. Occasionally caught for it's fins, but otherwise has no commercial value.
Other Comments :	The Grey reef shark is known to respond to low level frequency sounds, presumably mistaking it for the struggles of a wounded fish. This shark is also known for the distinct threat postures it displays when it is about to become aggressive. It will arch it's back, point it's dorsal fins downwards and swim with exaggerated movements. This sign should be a plentiful warning for any divers to retreat unless they wish to be attacked.