Overview
The blacktip reef shark (or Carcharhinus melanopterus, not to be confused with the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus), is a medium-sized shark living in the reefs and epipelagic waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has a streamlined body and build very typical of ‘classic’ sharks, with grey-brown skin and a white underside. It is named for its black tipped fins. Male blacktip reef sharks measure from 0.9m to 1.6m in length and weigh 7 to 9kg, while females are larger and heavier at 1m to 1.8m long and 8 to 10kg.
Appearance
Male
Female
Juvenile
Colourmorphs
Leucistic male
Leucistic female
Leucistic juvenileSize & weight
Size
Length: 1.2 to 1.6 m
Juvenile
Juvenile weight
2.25 kg
Measured as Length. The person stands 1.75 m tall for scale.
Habitat requirements
Barrier grade
Grade 2 of 5
Minimum height
1 m minimum
Climbing & water
Climb proof
Not needed
Water barrier
Not allowed
Habitat needs
Minimum area
Deep water
210 m² + 105 m² per extra animal
Environment
Temperature
22 to 28°C
Plant coverage
20-80%
Water salinity
Saltwater
Enclosure
Aquarium
Terrain
- Soil 0-5%
- Coarse Sand 0-5%
- Fine Sand 20-100%
- Rock 0-50%
Thriving Relationships
Indo-Pacific Reef Shoals: sharing a habitat with one of these species fulfils a Thriving requirement.
Diet and enrichment
Diet
- Whole Fish
- Squid
Conservation
IUCN Red List
Vulnerable
Least concern
Critically endangered
Blacktip reef sharks are considered Vulnerable, at risk due to overfishing and habitat loss. Although it is not a particularly desirable catch, bycatch may be sold in countries where shark fins and shark meat are part of the diet. Habitat loss due to climate change-induced loss of coral reefs is another big problem for these sharks, destroying both their and their prey species’ habitat. Due to their slow growth and low reproductive rate, any depletion of the population is hard for the blacktip reef shark to recover from. Like many other reef-dependent species, the blacktip reef shark benefits from established marine protected areas and reef restoration efforts. Targeted fishing of blacktip reef sharks is also illegal throughout the Pacific Ocean. Juvenile blacktip reef sharks have successfully been captive bred and reintroduced into South Pacific reef areas, where they have improved the health and stability of reef environments.
Zoopedia sketchbook
Social & reproduction
Keeper notes
The blacktip reef shark is a loosely social species. They often form groups when hunting prey in order to ‘herd’ schools of fish into a small space so they can feed more effectively. They are also known to swim together in groups when not hunting. Mating in blacktip reef sharks takes place in mid-Summer, typically once a year, though in parts of their range resources may be so scarce that pregnancies are only successful every other year. Receptive females swim in sinusoidal patterns near the seafloor, possibly releasing chemical signals to allow males to track them. Courtship of a male involves him biting the female’s gills or fins, matching her swimming pattern and following her for a while, before mating. Afterwards, the male and female part ways. Blacktip reef sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Depending on water temperature, gestation lasts between 7 to 11 months. Births take place in shallow areas near the reef, which may be used by multiple sharks, turning them into nursery areas. A female gives birth to 2 to 5 pups. After parturition, females provide no further care for the pups. Juvenile sharks often congregate in large groups in shallow water, and grow rapidly for the first 2 years of their lives, after which growth slows down to 5cm per year, which continues for the rest of their life. Blacktip reef sharks reach sexual maturity at about 1m long, which is usually at 4 or 5 years old for males and 7 to 8 years old for females.
Group and breeding
Group
Group size
1-10 (up to 9 males, up to 9 females)
Male bachelor group
1-10
Female bachelor group
1-10
Offspring dispersal
None
Lifecycle and breeding
Life expectancy
10-15 years
Age of sexual maturity
6.5 years
Age of sexual sterility
Death
Gestation or incubation
9 months
Interbirth period
3 months
Litter size
2-5
Mating system
Promiscuous
Mating season
Summer
Reproduction in captivity
Average
Dominance
Largest individual in congregations adopts leadership role
Research
Research levels
| Level | Unlocks | Research gate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Thriving Requirement 1: at least 5 objects or plants with the Rocks tag; Blacktip Reef Shark Fact Sheet | |
| Level 2 | Thriving Requirement 2: at least 10 objects or plants with the Coral tag; Fertility Level 1 (+15% fertility) | |
| Level 3 | Thriving Requirement 3: Food Grade 2; Release groups and release to the wild | |
| Level 4 | Thriving Requirement 4: at least 50% native plants | |
| Level 5 | Thriving Requirement 5: Indo-Pacific Reef Shoals Social Group; Fertility Level 2 (+30% fertility) |
Researched by
Vets
Researched at
Habitat or exhibit and Research Centre
Every level of this species' research, with its unlock conditions.
Release groups
Valid release groups
| Group | Type | Animals |
|---|---|---|
| Solitary Male | Solitary male | 1 male |
| Solitary Female | Solitary female | 1 female |
| Breeding Partners | Breeding partners | 1 male, 1 female |
Release groups, reserve requirements and the roles this species fills.
Animal facts
- Blacktip reef shark vision is poor, and prey detection is much more based on movement and smell than sight.
- The blacktip reef shark is curious and non-aggressive. They will often approach divers out of interest.
- Attacks on humans by blacktip reef sharks are non-lethal and minor, usually caused by the shark mistaking feet for prey.
- The blacktip reef shark can swim at speeds of up to 32km/h.
- Blacktip reef sharks are a keystone species in their reef environment, meaning they are essential to the health of the ecosystem and maintenance of a stable food web.
Taxonomy
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
