Carcharhinus albimarginatus
Silvertip Shark [+]

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Elasmobranchii
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Carcharhinus
species: albimarginatus
+ITIS +WoRMS

Description & Behavior

The silvertip shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus (Rüppell, 1837), is a slender shark with a long and broadly rounded snout. The eyes are large and round, it has an angular first dorsal fin and pectoral fins, triangular upper teeth; with an interdorsal ridge present. Dark gray or gray-brown above, white below; all fins with conspicuous white tips and posterior margins (hence its common name). Maximum size 3 m (average 2-2.5 m); maximum weight: 163 kg, reef-associated; marine.

World Range & Habitat

An inshore and offshore shark found over or adjacent to continental and insular shelves and offshore banks. Prefers offshore islands, coral reefs and banks to depths of 800 m. Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, Aldabra Group, Mauritius and the Chagos Archipelago. Western Pacific: off southern Japan to northern Australia and French Polynesia. Eastern Central Pacific: southern Baja California, Mexico to Colombia, including the Cocos, Galápagos and Revillagigedo islands. Tropical; 35°N-30°S.

» GBIF occurrence data in Google Earth [Tips] | Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) (World Distribution) [about]

Feeding Behavior (Ecology)

The silvertip shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, feeds mainly on benthic and midwater fishes, also rays (including the spotted eagle ray), cephalopods, and small sharks.

Life History

Viviparous with 1-11 pups per litter (average 5-6). Gestation period is about one year, young are born in summer. Size at birth 55-80 cm. In the southern hemisphere, both breeding and pupping occur in summer. Distinct pairing with embrace.