Species learning profile

Whitetip reef shark

Triaenodon obesus

Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indo-Pacific. It can pump water over its gills while resting on the bottom.

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珊瑚礁Carcharhinidae

At a glance

水域
海水
Habitat
珊瑚礁
最大长度
213 cm
分布范围
印度洋—太平洋
Carcharhinidae
Carcharhiniformes

Observe

How to identify Whitetip reef shark

  • It can pump water over its gills while resting on the bottom.
  • Guide context: reef habitat in Indo-Pacific.
  • Reported maximum length: 213 cm — a genuinely giant fish. 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

Hunts in reef crevices at night

Food-web connections

What it eats and why it matters

Diet

Octopus, lobster, crabs, and fish.

Ecological role

Extracts hidden prey other sharks cannot reach.

Remember

One fact worth keeping

Whitetip reef shark可长到约 213 厘米,常见于珊瑚礁附近。

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 Whitetip 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.

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