Small Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Occurring in

Arabian Sea
Caribbean
East Africa and India
North Atlantic
Oceania
South Atlantic
Tropical East Pacific
Pacific west

0-100m

DayActive

Endangered

Notable are the black tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. This species is known for its spectacular spins and jumps while hunting. It uses shallow coastal areas as nurseries.

Habitat

Rocky Reef

Coral reef

Open Sea

Special Features

Notable are the black tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. This species is known for its spectacular spins and jumps while hunting. It uses shallow coastal areas as nurseries. The blacktip shark is one of the most common species in tropical coastal regions.

Small Blacktip Shark-divedict_diving_sharks_diving_conservation-lexicon

Appearance

Slender body, gray top, white belly, black fin tips.

Natural Enemies

Larger sharks

Dangerous/Toxic

Rarely dangerous. Not toxic.

Pro Tips

When hunting, they often swim quickly through schools of fish and leap out of the water. Young sharks stay in very shallow water to avoid larger predators. They primarily feed on small bony fish and squids. Their proximity to the coast often leads to encounters with humans.