Unlike other sharks, the Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is quite timid and would not attack you unless you provoke it. The name comes from the distinctive black markings on its fins' tips. It is medium-sized, possessing a stocky profile, long gill slits, and pointed snouts. In addition, it is white underneath but dark grey to brown on top. The Blacktip shark is viviparous and feeds on benthic fish, rays, and cephalopods. Look for it in brackish water or shallow waters near mangroves, lagoons, estuaries, and river mouths along the tropical and subtropical coasts. Other communities call it blackfin, black-tipped, small blacktip, or spot-fin ground shark. It is commonly targeted in commercial fisheries and by shore anglers.
Blacktip Sharks have a total length between 4.92’-8’ (1.5-2.44 m) and body width of 7.5”-11.4” (19-29 cm). The typical weight of the Blacktip Shark is in the range of 150-270 lb (68-122 kg). Blacktip Sharks have lifespans between 12-16 years.
Unlike other sharks, the Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is quite timid and would not attack you unless you provoke it. The name comes from the distinctive black markings on its fins' tips. It is medium-sized, possessing a stocky profile, long gill slits, and pointed snouts. In addition, it is white underneath but dark grey to brown on top. The Blacktip shark is viviparous and feeds on benthic fish, rays, and cephalopods. Look for it in brackish water or shallow waters near mangroves, lagoons, estuaries, and river mouths along the tropical and subtropical coasts. Other communities call it blackfin, black-tipped, small blacktip, or spot-fin ground shark. It is commonly targeted in commercial fisheries and by shore anglers.
Blacktip Sharks have a total length between 4.92’-8’ (1.5-2.44 m) and body width of 7.5”-11.4” (19-29 cm). The typical weight of the Blacktip Shark is in the range of 150-270 lb (68-122 kg). Blacktip Sharks have lifespans between 12-16 years.