Reef shark
Reef sharks are a group of requiem sharks that inhabit coral reefs and surrounding waters, showcasing efficient hunting abilities. These spindle-shaped sharks thrive in the vibrant ecosystems formed by coral reefs, where they prey on crabs, lobsters, cuttlefish, and various small tropical fish. Notable species include the blacktip reef shark, which averages 3 to 4 feet in length, and is identifiable by its black-tipped dorsal fin. Whitetip and grey reef sharks, found near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, exhibit different hunting behaviors, with whitetips primarily active at night. Larger reef shark species, such as the Galapagos and Caribbean reef sharks, can grow up to 9 feet long and may consume larger prey. Reef sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young after a gestation period of 12 to 16 months. Unfortunately, these sharks face threats from human activities, including sport fishing and finning, which significantly impact their populations. Typically, reef sharks can live between 20 to 25 years in their natural habitats.
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Reef shark
Reef sharks are several species of requiem sharks living near coral reefs. Like most sharks, reef sharks are efficient hunters. Their movements are swift and accurate.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
Reef sharks are spindle-shaped sharks that inhabit coral reefs and the surrounding waters. A coral reef is formed when large deposits of coral build up over a long period. The resulting reef is an underwater mountain of coral and jagged projections where thousands of species of plant life and colorful fish thrive. For reef sharks, the coral reef is a hunting ground filled with crabs, lobsters, cuttlefish, and small tropical reef fish. Many species wait in the shallows, and when it spots its prey, it darts at the unsuspecting victim with a quick thrashing of its tail.
The length of the reef shark varies greatly between species. The average blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) measures 3 to 4 feet (91 to 120 centimeters). Blacktip reef sharks have a black-tipped, upright dorsal fin in the center of their back. Hunting in small groups during the day, they eat reef fish and cephalopods. They inhabit shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) live near the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Grey reef sharks average between 4 and 4 3/4 feet (1 1/5 to 1 1/2 meters) long, and whitetip reef sharks reach around 5 feet (1 1/2 meters). Like blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks hunt during the day, while whitetip reef sharks hunt at night.
The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are home to larger reef sharks like the Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) and the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi). Both species can grow to around 9 feet (3 meters) long. These species may eat larger prey, like surface animals or small mammals.
Reef sharks are viviparous animals, meaning the unborn shark develops inside the mother, connected to the female by an umbilical cord, through which pass all the necessary nutrients needed for development. The breeding season of reef sharks varies by location and species. When breeding, a female shark releases a scent that the male detects. The mating practice of the reef shark is not gentle. The male frequently bites his mate, puncturing her thick, leathery skin. Using an organ called a clasper, males transfer sperm to a special sac in females. She stores this sac internally for several months before fertilizing the egg. The female reef shark gives birth to well-developed, live young. Most species give birth to 2 to 4 young 12 to 16 months after mating.
Like many sharks, the reef shark is threatened by humans who seek the sport of landing the powerful fish with a fishing rod and reel. Many sharks fall prey to the mutilating act of finning. Finning involves cutting off the shark's fins for food, with the fish being thrown back into the water to die.
Most reef sharks live 20 to 25 years.
Bibliography
"Blacktip Reef Shark - Carcharhinus Melanopterus." Shark Research Institute, www.sharks.org/blacktip-reef-shark-carcharhinus-melanopterus. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
"Caribbean Reef Shark - Carcharhinus Perezii."Shark Research Institute, www.sharks.org/caribbean-reef-shark-carcharhinus-perezii. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
"Galapagos Shark - Carcharhinus Galapagensis." Shark Research Institute, www.sharks.org/galapagos-shark-carcharhinus-galapagensis. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
"Grey Reef Shark - Carcharhinus Amblyrhynchos." Shark Research Institute, www.sharks.org/grey-reef-shark-carcharhinus-amblyrhynchos. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.