Carcharhinus melanopterus

Location in the Zoo: Aquarium

The blacktip reef shark is among the most abundant sharks that call the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans home, and prefers shallow, inshore waters.

Small fish are its usual prey, but it will also eat squid and crustaceans, and even sea snakes and seabirds. While most sharks hunt solo, blacktip reefs sharks are team players. They come together to snare schools of fish in packs, circling them into a tight ball before launching attack. These sharks are known to jump fully out of the water during feeding frenzies!

The blacktip reef shark is listed as Vulnerable. Although it remains widespread and common overall, overfishing has led to its decline at many sites within its range. Ocean acidification is damaging its coral reef habitat, putting both this shark and its food supply at risk.