Whitetip
Reef Shark
Triaenodon obesus
 Decription:
Conspicuous white tips on first dorsal
fin and upper lobe of tail, second dorsal
fin and lower lobe of tail sometimes with
white tips. A slender shark with a blunt
head, gray brown above shading to whitish
below. Extremely short, broad snout.
Size:
0.6 m (2ft) at birth to over 2 m
(7ft).
Habitat,
Behavior, and Biology:
Often observed resting on the bottom
on rocky reefs, boulder areas, and in caves.
To at least 110 m (363 ft). Often in groups.
Most active at night. Large groups. Most
active at night. Large groups have been
observed swimming in place in strong currents.
Able to move through narrow openings within
the reef to capture prey. Feeds on small
fishes, octopi, and crustaceans. Scars near
gill slits on female made by male using
his teeth to hold female in position during
mating. Viviparous, gives birth to 1-5 young
per litter. Sluggish, but curious. Will
approach at close range. Considered harmless,
but has bitten divers when harassed.
Abundance:
Abundant, the most common shark at
Cocos, at most sites.
Distribution:
Tropical Indo-Pacific from America
to eastern Pacific. In eastern Pacific,
along coast of Central America from Nicaragua
to Colombia, and Cocos, Malpelo, and Galápagos
Island.
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