#2024 · 🦈 sharks & rays

Blacktip Reef Shark

🇳🇱 Zwartpuntrifhaai ·Carcharhinus melanopterus

VUvulnerable 🦈 Sharks & rays 📍 outside Europe

9 photos from iNaturalist (Creative Commons) · credits & licences

1. © François Libert · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
2. © Poseidon’s Adventure · CC BY-NC 4.0
3. © Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC 4.0
4. © zsispeo · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
5. © David R · CC BY-NC 4.0
6. © Francois Libert · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
7. © Leon Brocard · CC BY 4.0
8. © J. Martin Crossley · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
9. © uwkwaj · CC BY-NC 4.0

what is it?

The blacktip reef shark ( Carcharhinus melanopterus ) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and its caudal fin). Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species prefers shallow, inshore waters. Its exposed first dorsal fin is a common sight in the region. Most blacktip reef sharks are found...

base stats

NL sightings 0iNaturalist, research grade
worldwide 4,969iNaturalist observations
threat VUvulnerable

Bars compare against all animals on log scales: up to 300,000 Dutch and 600,000 worldwide sightings (the most-seen species), 150 t (blue whale), 30 m and 400 years (Greenland shark).

fun facts

No confirmed wild sightings in the Netherlands on iNaturalist: you'd have to travel for this one.
4,969 observations worldwide on iNaturalist.
Scientifically named by Joseph Paul Gaimard in 1824 (202 years ago).
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.