Spindle-shaped, moderately long body, with a relatively pointed snout. Circular eyes (diameter about 1.7 to 2.4 % of the shark"s body length). Short gill slights (2.1 to 3.3 % to total body length). First dorsal fin is large and falcate with a pointed apex. Origin is over the front the pectorals free rear ends (can also be slightly in front or behind it). Second dorsal fin is small (low, about 1.5 to 2.2 % of total length). Origin is behind the anal fin"s origin. Pectoral fins relatively small and falcate, with rounded or pointed apices. Interdorsal ridge is present but very low.
Coloration
Grey upper body, white ventral surface. A very distinctive, large black tip on the pectorals, second dorsal fin and the ventral caudal lobe. First dorsal fin may only black edges, if at all. A conspicuous white band on flank is present.
Distribution
Indo-Western Pacific: Mozambique and South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Red Sea, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Philippines, Australia (western and northern Australia), Solomon Islands.
Biology
A common species of shallow waters over found continental and insular shelves, down to about 70 m. Prefers coral reef areas.
Diet
Feeds on fishes, and cephalopods (octopi).
Size
A relatively small requiem shark with a maximum size of approximately 160 cm. Average size is between 120 and 140 cm. Former record sizes have not been confirmed.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac placenta (gives birth to live young). 3 to 6 pups per litter, though mostly 6 with as size at birth of approiximately 45 -60 cm. Nursery grounds have been identified. Males reach sexual maturity with a minimum size of about 105 cm, females with about 110 cm.
Similar Species
Dark spots can be confusing but the combination of them on the fins makes this species unmistakable.
Vulnerability
Category:Near Threatened (NT) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2021 Trend: