Triaenodon obesus
White Tip Reef Shark, White Tip Shark
This small shark is relatively slender with a broad flattened head. The snout is broadly rounded and eyes are horizontally oval. Along with a down-slanted mouth, the prominent brow ridges give this shark a permanent "disgusted" expression to its face. The first dorsal fin originates well behind the free rear tips of the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is large, but smaller than the first dorsal. The pectoral fins are broad and triangular in shape. The anal fin is about as large as the second dorsal fin. There is no interdorsal ridge and lateral keels on the caudal penduncle are lacking.
The White Tip Shark feeds primarily on octopus, lobster, crab, and bony fish.
This shark has a wide range in the Pacific Ocean reaching Hawaii in its northern limits.
The Whitetip Reef Shark typically lives along the bottom in clear, shallow waters surrounding coral reefs. It has been reported at depths to 1,083 feet.
This shark reaches a length of up to 7 feet and 35-40 pounds.
40 pounds, 4 ounces (IGFA)