Small requiem shark, with a moderately long and rounded snout. Relatively large, horinzontally oval eyes (2 to 2.8 % of the total body length). First dorsal fin is relatively small and falcate with an origin that is over or slightly posterior to the pectoral fins free rear tips. Second dorsal fin is large (between 3 and 5 % of the shark total length) with origin slightly or well behind the anal fin origin. Small pectoral fins, strongly falcate with pointed apices. Interdorsal ridge can be present or missing.
Coloration
Grey to tan upper body, light ventral surface. Very conspicuous black (or at least dusky) second dorsal fin with pale posterior edges. Inconspicuous light stripes on flanks.
Distribution
Indo-Western Pacific: South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Andaman Islands, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, New Guinea, Australia (western and northern Australia, Queensland).
Biology
Lives over the continental and insular shelves in coastal waters, from the very surface (surf line) down to approximately 40 m. Common.
Diet
Small fishes, and different kinds of invertebrates.
Size
Maximum size less than 100 cm, average size between 60 and 80 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac placenta (gives birth to live young). 1 or 2 pups per litter. Gestation period takes 9 months. Males reach sexual maturity with a size between 70 and 80 cm, females between 70 and 75 cm.
Similar Species
Can be mistaken for Whitecheek shark and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish between these two species.
Vulnerability
Category:Vulnerable (VU) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2021 Trend:
