Shark - Blacktip reef

Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp teeth of sharks when handling them. The eating qualities of blacktip reef sharks less than 120 cm (4 feet) long can be improved by killing them humanely by iki jime or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding. Blacktip reef sharks larger than around 120 cm (4 feet) long should be dispatched with a captive bolt tool or firearm (with appropriate safety precautions).

Fish Description:

• A medium sized shark with yellowish-brown body (whitish below) and black tips on most fins.
  
• Differs from other sharks with black fin tips in having a white margin around the black tip, especially on the dorsal fin.
  
• Blacktip reef sharks feed mainly on fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans, but can become aggressive around spearfishers and may attack the legs or feet of people wading in shallow water, especially if cornered.
  
• Females mature at around 8 years old and 100-120 cm (3-4 feet) long, and produce 2-4 young per litter.

Fish Distribution:

• This species occurs throughout the tropical Indo- Pacific region from Persian Gulf, Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and the Tuamoto Archipelago, and as far north as Japan and south as northern Australia. Also occur in the eastern Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
  
• Blacktip reef sharks occur singly or in small groups inhabiting shallow water coral reef flats, as well as reef drop-offs, inshore rocky reefs to depths of 30 meters as well as mangrove areas up to the fresh water limits.

Fish Size Common Length:

Common between 60 and 120 cm (2-4 feet) long, maximum size around 200 cm (6 feet 8 inches) and 65 kg (130 pounds).