Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - Marine Life - Liveaboard Diving
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - Marine Life - Liveaboard Diving

Blacktip Reef Shark

The Blacktip Reef Shark is a wonderful species to see when diving or snorkelling. Although not large (1.5 metres long on average) they have the proportions of a 'proper shark' which makes them look really cool. Sadly, they're quite shy of humans, although not a threat at all. They are commonly seen in shallow water, but will stay away from divers and snorkellers and disappear if you approach them. They're found in shallow warm waters of the Indo Pcific region. However, each individual does not travel far from where it feels is its home. They give birth to live young (pups).

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) swimming away
Credit: Alvaro Herrero
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Credit: Alvaro Herrero
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Credit: Johan Folmeus
Blacktip Reef Shark Carcharhinus melanopterus
Scientific Rank
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata (Chordates)
Class:
Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fish
Order: Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)
Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
Genus: Carcharhinus (Carcharhinus)
Species: Carcharhinus melanopterus
Size
Average Size: 1.5 metres

No Troubles Just Bubbles' divers who recently saw Blacktip Reef Shark

Laura S
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Koon 9
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
When: Mar 2024
Carsten
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Bavaria
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock
When: Feb 2024
Jayson
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Lapat
Trip destinations: Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock
When: Jan 2024
Kira
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Pawara
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
When: Jan 2024
Be
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Manta Queen 2
Trip destinations: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Boonsung Wreck
When: Dec 2023
John kelly
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Pawara
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
When: Nov 2023
Veerle
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Dolphin Queen
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
When: May 2023
Stéphanie
Spotted in: Maldives Maldives
Diving from boat: MV Emperor Serenity
Trip destinations: North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll, Vaavu Atoll
When: Dec 2022
Tomas
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: MV Gentle Giant
Trip destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Phi Phi, King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point
When: Nov 2022
Dani N
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Merdeka 3
Trip destinations: Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Koh Phi Phi
When: Sep 2022
Mike
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Merdeka 3
Trip destinations: Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Koh Phi Phi
When: Aug 2022
Alex Lindsay
Spotted in: Thailand Thailand
Diving from boat: Andaman
Trip destinations: Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Koh Surin
When: May 2022

Have you ever seen Blacktip Reef Shark when diving?
Is there anything you would like to add or change about the Blacktip Reef Shark?
Let us know your thoughts by adding a comment below.
Free Scuba Diver!
T-shirt & wrist band
+ Drybag or Beach towel

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.