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The Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a shark of tropical and warm temperate seas.
Distrubution
One of the most common sharks found in shallow water around coral reefs of Indo-Pacific waters. Depth range 1-330 meters.
Behaviour
It is a bottom dwelling shark and is often seen by divers while resting on the bottom. It is active at night.
Appearance
As its name suggests, the tips of the shark's first pectoral fins and upper caudal fin are white. The upper body is grey/brownish. Average length is about 140 to 160 cm, max reported length 244 cm. Its head is broad and flat.
Diet
A Whitetip Reef Shark's diet consists mainly on fishes and crustaceans.
Reproduction, behavior, and interaction with humans
Reproduction is viviparous, with 1-5 pups in a litter, the gestation period is at least 5 months. The shark's size at birth ranges from 50-60 cm. It is estimated that this shark can live for about 25 years and it reaches maturity after about 5 years.
The is not a curious shark, it often swims away from diver. It rests on the bottom, often in small groups. It is not harmful to humans, attacks are caused by harassment from divers.
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