Small, slender requiem shark. Long snout. Large eyes with posterior notches. First dorsal fin erect with origin behind the rear tips of the pectoral fins. Second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first one with origin approximately over the insertion (end) of the anal fin. Anal fin is larger than second dorsal fin. Pectoral fins relatively broad and triangular, slightly falcate, with origin under the interspace between third and fourth gill slits. No or only rudimentary developed interdorsal ridge.
Coloration
Light grey to yellowish or brownish grey on back, white ventral surface. Black margin on first dorsal and caudal fin. Inconspicuous light rear edges on all fins.
Distribution
Indo-Western Pacific: South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Red Sea, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Australia (tropical area).
Biology
A common requiem shark. Lives inshore over the continental and insular shelves. Found mainly in shallow and clear water, down to a depth of about 80 m. Cane be found near the surface or at the bottom.
Diet
Small bony fishes, shrimp and cuttlefish.
Size
Maximum size about 90 cm, average size between 60 and 80 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac placenta. 2 to 4 pups per litter. Size at birth between 40 and 43 cm. Males reach sexual maturity between 62 and 66 cm, females at about 80 cm.
Similar Species
None.
Vulnerability
Category:Near Threatened (NT) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2021 Trend:
