The Whitetip Reef Shark, scientifically known as Triaenodon obesus, is a fascinating and distinctive species of shark found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Description & Characteristics
This species is easily recognizable by its characteristic white tips on its dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins, giving it its common name. Triaenodon obesus can grow to a maximum size of 213.0 cm in length. Its body is robust and fusiform, with a rounded snout and large eyes. It possesses a distinctive coloration, typically grey or brown dorsally with a lighter ventral side.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Whitetip Reef Shark is primarily found in coral reef environments, often inhabiting shallow lagoons, rocky reefs, and seaward reefs. This species is a common sight in tropical and subtropical regions, with a depth range that spans from the surface to 330.0 meters. Its distribution encompasses various marine zones, including the Indo-Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Taxonomy
The Whitetip Reef Shark, Triaenodon obesus, is classified within the Class: Elasmobranchii, which includes sharks, rays, and skates. It belongs to the Order: Carcharhiniformes, a diverse group of sharks that includes many familiar species like the blacktip shark and the bull shark. Finally, Triaenodon obesus is a member of the Family: Carcharhinidae, which is known for its variety of reef sharks, including the grey reef shark and the whitetip reef shark.
Feeding
The Whitetip Reef Shark is a nocturnal predator, primarily active at night. Its diet consists of a wide variety of prey, including: clam meat, crabs, crustaceans, fish (especially small fish), rock lobster, shrimp, and sepia. This adaptable feeding strategy allows Triaenodon obesus to thrive in its diverse reef habitat.
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