Blacktip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Cordats)
- ClassElasmobranchii
- OrderCarcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)
- FamilyCarcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks)
- GenusCarcharhinus (Typical Requiem Sharks)
- SpeciesCarcharhinus melanopterus (Blacktip Reef Shark)
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, which can be 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. The blacktip reef shark is usually found over reef ledges and sandy flats, though it has also been known to enter brackish and freshwater environments. It typically attains a length of 1.6 m (5.2 ft). Like other sharks, the females are larger than the males. Wikipedia →
40–50% of wildlife watchers report a Blacktip Reef Shark sighting in Ningaloo Marine Park, based on 35 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.
Closest Relatives at Ningaloo Marine Park
📅 Monthly Probability
☀️ When They're Spotted
Most active during daytime hours (6am–6pm) · across all parks (global)
Global Distribution
Where this species is recorded worldwide. Restricted to human observations from 2019 onwards — the same kind of record and the same period the probabilities on this page are built from, so collar-tracking studies, camera-trap arrays and museum specimens are excluded. Around Santa Rosa that removes 5,924 GPS fixes from a handful of tagged jaguars.
where this species is recorded (GBIF density — it tracks where observers go, not how likely a sighting is) · parks where it occurs — tap a pin for the sighting probability there
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 2 | Isla del Coco National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Blacktip Reef Shark in Ningaloo Marine Park?
About 43% of wildlife watchers report a Blacktip Reef Shark sighting in Ningaloo Marine Park, based on 35 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Blacktip Reef Shark in Ningaloo Marine Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Blacktip Reef Shark in Ningaloo Marine Park in our monthly data.