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Qirsh Aswad el-Zaanef
Blacktip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
Advanced⚠️ ProtectedCarcharhinidae
A small, timid reef shark instantly recognised by the conspicuous black tips on all its fins, especially the first dorsal. It favours shallow sandy flats and reef tops of the Red Sea, often seen cruising in water barely deep enough to cover its back.
Quick facts
- Family
- Carcharhinidae
- Scientific name
- Carcharhinus melanopterus
- Typical size
- 100–160 cm
- Record weight
- up to 24 kg
- Depth
- 0–75 m
- Status
- ⚠️ Protected
- Habitat
- Shallow reef flats, lagoons and sandy shallows close to shore
Protected · observe only
This is a protected or non-target species — please don't fish for it. If it's accidentally hooked, release it quickly and unharmed.
Eating & safety
Shy and easily startled, it poses minimal threat to swimmers but may nip ankles in very shallow feeding situations.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →Best seasons
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best conditions: Warm shallow lagoons and reef flats at high tide, often early morning
Did you know?
It is one of the few sharks regularly seen with its dorsal fin breaking the surface as it patrols shallow lagoon flats.