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Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) — Carcharhinidae

Silvertip shark

Carcharhinus albimarginatus

The Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 300 cm.

Length
300 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–800.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Silvertip shark is a requiem shark (Carcharhinidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 3 metres and has a streamlined, grey body with a pale belly. The fins have conspicuously white edges and tips. As an active predator it hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. Due to its size and sharp teeth it can be dangerous; it may bite when disturbed or near bait.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silvertip shark?

The Silvertip shark has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silvertip shark live?

The Silvertip shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Silvertip shark get?

The Silvertip shark grows to a maximum of about 300 cm. On average the species is around 200 cm.

Is the Silvertip shark dangerous to humans?

The Silvertip shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Silvertip shark edible?

Yes, the Silvertip shark is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilverpunthaai sourced
English name
Silvertip shark sourced
Scientific name
Carcharhinus albimarginatus
Family
Carcharhinidae
Other names
Silver-tip reef shark; Silvertip shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
300.0 verified
Average length (cm)
200.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
800.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Carcharhinus

More from the family Carcharhinidae

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