Fin's Fish Guide
The Black fin reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The blacktip reef shark is a reef shark of the requiem shark family (Carcharhinidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about two metres and has a streamlined, brown-grey body with conspicuously black fin tips, especially on the first dorsal fin. It inhabits shallow water close inshore on coral reefs and in the intertidal zone, where its dorsal fin sometimes protrudes above water. As an active predator it hunts reef fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. The blacktip reef shark is shy and not regarded as dangerous to humans, but large individuals may nip the legs of waders in turbid shallows; owing to fishing it is listed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black fin reef shark?
The Black fin reef shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly black fin tips; shallow-water reef shark whose dorsal fin sometimes protrudes above the water, vulnerable (VU).
Where does the Black fin reef shark live?
The Black fin reef shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; shallow water on coral reefs and in the intertidal zone.
How big does the Black fin reef shark get?
The Black fin reef shark grows to a maximum of about 200 cm.
Is the Black fin reef shark dangerous to humans?
The Black fin reef shark can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but a shark with sharp teeth; keep clear of the mouth, do not corner it and handle a caught or hooked shark with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Black fin reef shark edible?
Yes, the Black fin reef shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black fin reef shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carcharhinus
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Black fin reef shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black fin reef shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.