Whitetip reef shark

Biology

This harmless and notoriously slow shark is not very efficient at capturing fish. Consequently, it feeds on the sea floor and makes the most of the shape of its snout (short and rounded) to capture its prey inside narrow holes. It is more active at night and between tides, when it patrols reefs in search of food. During the day, it rests on the bottom of caverns swept by currents, which allow it to breathe effortlessly. It is a viviparous species and after five months of gestation, the females give birth to between one and five young, measuring about 60 centimetres.

Conservation

This species is threatened by high fishing pressure.

Curiosities

During courtship the male bites the female on her right pectoral fin.