Typical requiem shark. Long snout. Dorsal fin erect and falcate, with a pointed apex. Origin of first dorsal fin is over or slightly posterior to the pectorals" insertion. Second dorsal fin is high with origin over or slightly before the anal fin"s origin. No interdorsal ridge.
Coloration
Grey to bronze upper body, white ventral surface. Black tips on all fins except sometimes on pelvic fins and anal fin. Pale stripe along the flanks.
Distribution
Indo-Western Pacific: Australia (northern Australia).
Biology
Lives over the continental shelf of tropical Australia. From close to the surface down to a depth of about 150 m. Swims preferably midwater or just under the surface.
Diet
Fishes, and to a lesser degree cephalopods.
Size
Maximum size about 200 cm, average size between 150 and 180 cm.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolksac placenta (gives birth to live young). 1 to 6 pups per litter with a size at birth of approximately 60 cm. Gestation period lasts 10 months. Maturity seems to be reached within 3 to 4 years. Males reach sexual maturity with a size of about 110 cm, females with 115 cm.
Similar Species
The Blacktip shark is almost identical and the two species are only separated by vertebrate counts and enzyme systems.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2019 Trend:
