|
click for sitemap
Open
Daily
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
|
 |
Blacktip Reef Shark
 |
| Scientific Name: |
Carcharhinus melanopterus |
| Range: |
Indian Ocean and Central Pacific Ocean |
| Habitat: |
Shallow waters, especially in coral reefs and shallow
lagoons |
| Natural Diet: |
Fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans |
| Zoo Diet: |
Squid, smelt, and shrimp |
Physical
Characteristics: |
Blacktip reef sharks grow up to six feet long and 99
pounds. Their
sleek body is light brown or grey on top and white underneath.
Black tips on their fins give these sharks their name. They have a round
nose, oval eyes, and long, serrated teeth. |
| Behavior: |
Blacktip reef sharks are active both during the day and
at night. These timid sharks are powerful swimmers. They are not
aggressive, and they usually alone or in small groups. 70% of their
brain is devoted to smell, which is their most valuable sense. Blacktip
reef sharks follow the tide in and out, searching for food. |
| Reproduction: |
Blacktip reef sharks give birth to live young. Two to
four pups are born in late winter or early spring. |
| Notes: |
Blacktip reef sharks seldom attack humans. At the Fort
Wayne Children's Zoo, you can find blacktip reef sharks in the Aquarium. |
|
|
|
