Blacktip Shark
The Blacktip Shark, or Carcharhinus limbatus, glides through warm coastal waters, its black-tipped fins a signature mark. Known for its swift, agile hunting and social nature, this shark plays a crucial role in oceanic balance, often seen in groups near coral reefs and mangroves.
Brown, Grey, Black, White
Color
Vulnerable
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
Carcharhinus limbatus, commonly known as the Blacktip Shark, is a medium-sized shark found in warm coastal waters around the globe. They are known for their distinctive black-tipped fins, agile hunting skills, and social behavior. This species often forms groups and is a key predator in maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
Distribution Range of the Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus, commonly known as the blacktip shark, is predominantly found in the coastal waters of tropical and subtropical regions. Its geographical distribution includes the western Atlantic Ocean (from Massachusetts, USA to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea), the eastern Atlantic (from the Mediterranean Sea to Angola), the Indian Ocean (from South Africa to the Arabian Sea and western India), and the western Pacific (from Japan to northern Australia). It is also present in the eastern Pacific, from southern California to Peru.
Blacktip Shark's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The blacktip shark typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, often seen in estuaries, bays, and off beaches. It favors warm waters with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This species is often found at depths of up to 30 meters (98 feet), although it can occasionally be found in deeper waters during certain periods.
Ecological Niche
Carcharhinus limbatus is a highly migratory species that plays a significant role as a predator in its ecosystem. It primarily preys on small fish, including sardines, herring, and mullet, as well as cephalopods and crustaceans. Blacktip sharks are known for their swift swimming abilities and acrobatic displays, such as leaping out of the water. Their presence in coastal ecosystems helps maintain the balance of marine life, controlling the population of their prey species.
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