blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) at Bora Bora.
Description
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) at Bora Bora.
Date 27 October 2007, 12:39
Source http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124400268@N01/1938560140/
Author Duncan Rawlinson from Vancouver, BC http://www.flickr.com/people/44124400268@N01
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carcharhinus_melanopterus_bora_bora.jpg
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, 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. Most blacktip reef sharks are found over reef ledges and sandy flats, though they have also been known to enter brackish and freshwater environments. This species typically attains a length of 1.6 m. Order: Carcharhiniformes, Family: Carcharhinidae, Genus: Carcharhinus, Species: Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824),
Synonyms:
Carcharias elegans Ehrenberg, 1871
Carcharias marianensis Engelhardt, 1912
Carcharias melanopterus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
Carcharias playfairii Günther, 1870
Squalus carcharias minor Forsskål, 1775
Squalus commersonii Blainville, 1816
Squalus ustus Duméril, 1824