Species learning profile
Blacktip reef shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indo-Pacific. Black fin tips are especially bold on the first dorsal and tail.
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At a glance
- Agua
- Agua salada
- Habitat
- Arrecife
- Longitud máxima
- 200 cm
- Distribución
- Indopacífico
- Familia
- Carcharhinidae
- Orden
- Carcharhiniformes
Observe
How to identify Blacktip reef shark
- Black fin tips are especially bold on the first dorsal and tail.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Indo-Pacific.
- Reported maximum length: 200 cm — capable of growing longer than many people are tall. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Indo-Pacific. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Patrols shallow lagoons and reef flats
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Ecological role
A common upper-level reef predator.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Blacktip reef shark puede medir unos 200 cm y suele encontrarse cerca de Arrecife.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Blacktip reef shark in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections