The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) often confused with the Black Tip Shark is a common resident of tropical reef communities, including the waters around Koh Tao, Thailand.
Distinguishing Features
The Blacktip Reef Shark is easy to spot by the black tips on its fins, especially the first dorsal fin and tail. It has a light gray-brown back, a white belly, and a white stripe on its sides that starts near the tail. With a rounded snout and slim body, this shark is usually found in shallow water near coral reefs. They aren't very big, growing up to about 1.6 meters long, and females are usually larger than males.
Behaviour, Feeding and Diet
Blacktip reef sharks are commonly found in shallow waters and are usually considered harmless to humans. Although very shy, they can be curious, and while not aggressive, they may occasionally investigate unfamiliar objects or people, though most encounters are peaceful.
These sharks are neither strictly solitary nor schooling but are often seen in small groups, particularly when feeding. Young pups stay together and form a social hierarchy. Blacktip reef sharks practice cooperative hunting, using communication to herd fish and enhance their feeding efficiency. As opportunistic feeders, they primarily consume small fish; rabbitfish, surgeonfish,wrasses, groupers etc as well as crustaceans, and squid. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, adjusting their diet according to what’s available.
Blacktip Reef sharks are fascinating creatures known for their distinctive behaviors. They are among the few shark species that can fully breach the water, usually when they are feeding. This leap helps them catch prey or get rid of parasites. They also use a behavior called spy-hopping, where they lift their heads and part of their bodies out of the water to look around. This helps them explore and understand its environment by spotting potential threats, prey, or changes in its habitat. Additionally, it aids in navigation, helping the shark locate specific areas of interest, such as feeding grounds or safe spots. The behavior also allows the shark to observe other animals or environmental changes that might not be visible underwater. This behavior shows how Blacktip Reef Sharks use their intelligence to adapt and survive in their reef environment.
Reproduction
The Blacktip Reef shark lives for about 13 to 15 years. Males mature around age 4, but females don't mature until about age 8, leading to a short reproductive window. They have long gestation periods (up to 11 months) and small litters (2-4 pups), so their reproductive rate is low.
Blacktip reef sharks reproduce through ovoviviparity, meaning the eggs develop inside the female’s body, and the pups are born live. Mating typically occurs from late spring to early summer. Pups are born in shallow nursery areas, where they stay together and form a social hierarchy. These nursery areas provide a safer environment for the young sharks to grow and develop. The pups rely on their early social structure to gain strength and skills necessary for survival.
Conservation
Blacktip Reef Sharks are currently listed as vulnerable due to threats from commercial fishing for fins, liver oil, meat, and skins, as well as bycatch and entanglement in gill nets. They also face significant risks from the loss of coral reef habitat caused by climate change and destructive fishing practices. Despite being common in aquariums and exported from countries like Australia and Indonesia, they benefit from conservation measures like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and shark sanctuaries. The species thrives best in areas with strict fishing regulations and minimal human impact.
Where to Find Blacktip Reef Sharks on Koh Tao
Blacktip Reef Sharks are often seen in shallow bays and rocky outcrops, which act as nurseries for young sharks. Blacktip Reef Sharks are very shy and can be hard to spot while scuba diving due to their fear of the noise from scuba regulators. However, snorkeling at Shark Bay offers a great chance to see adolescent Blacktip Reef Sharks up close. You might also spot juvenile sharks swimming near the surface at Hin Wong Bay. Adults are more elusive but may cruise by without much concern, while juveniles are more curious and likely to come closer. A few Dive sites offer opportunities to see these sharks, though sightings are less common:
