Fin's Fish Guide
The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezii) is a saltwater fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 300 cm.
Description
The Caribbean reef shark is a large requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about three metres and has a stocky, grey-brown body with a white belly. It lives on continental and insular shelves, often near steep edges on the outer side of coral reefs, and sometimes rests motionless on the bottom. As an apex predator it hunts reef fishes and cephalopods. The Caribbean reef shark is one of the commonest large sharks on Caribbean reefs and a popular dive attraction. Owing to fishing it is listed as Endangered (EN). It can be dangerous to humans; keep well clear.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Caribbean reef shark?
The Caribbean reef shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Common large reef shark that sometimes rests motionless on the bottom; endangered (EN) by fishing.
Where does the Caribbean reef shark live?
The Caribbean reef shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; outer edges of coral reefs.
How big does the Caribbean reef shark get?
The Caribbean reef shark grows to a maximum of about 300 cm.
Is the Caribbean reef shark dangerous to humans?
The Caribbean reef shark can cause injury; handle it with care. Not venomous, but a large shark with sharp teeth considered potentially dangerous; keep well clear and handle a caught or hooked shark with the greatest care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care.
Is the Caribbean reef shark edible?
The Caribbean reef shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Caribbean reef shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Caribbean reef shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.