The Blacktip Shark, Blacktip Whaler, scientifically known as Carcharhinus limbatus, is a common and widely distributed shark species found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe. It is recognized by its distinctive black tips on its fins, particularly its dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins, which give it its name.
Description & Characteristics
Carcharhinus limbatus is a medium-sized shark, reaching a maximum recorded size of 286.0 cm. It has a slender, fusiform body with a pointed snout. Its coloration is typically grayish-brown to bronze on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter, whitish hue on the ventral side. The black tips on its fins are a prominent feature, serving as a visual deterrent to potential predators. This shark has a relatively long snout, large pectoral fins, and a crescent-shaped caudal fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Blacktip Shark, Blacktip Whaler, Carcharhinus limbatus, is a coastal species, typically inhabiting shallow waters along continental shelves and around islands. It prefers warm, tropical and subtropical waters, with a depth range of 0.0 to 140.0 meters. This species is widely distributed, occurring in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Indian Ocean. It is commonly found in nearshore habitats, including bays, estuaries, and lagoons, where it utilizes these areas for foraging and breeding. This species can also be found in the neritic zone, the region of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Carcharhinus limbatus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Carcharhinidae. This family, the Carcharhinidae, is a large and diverse group of sharks, commonly referred to as requiem sharks. They are characterized by having a second dorsal fin that is significantly smaller than the first dorsal fin, as well as an anal fin that is located behind the second dorsal fin.
Feeding
The Blacktip Shark, Blacktip Whaler, Carcharhinus limbatus, is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Its diet consists of a variety of organisms, including: big fish, small fishes, sepia, and even small sharks. It is known to actively hunt its prey, using its keen sense of smell and vision to locate food. It is a key predator in its ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of marine life.
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