Shark - Blacktip

Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp teeth of sharks when handling them. The eating qualities of blacktip 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 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:

• Medium sized sharks with dark grey body, white to yellowish white belly and black tips on most fins.
  
• Blacktip sharks feed mainly on fishes, and cephalopods. Females mature at around 4 years old and 150 cm/5 feet long.
  
• They can live for around 12 years producing litters of one to 10 young every second year.
  
• Large blacktip sharks are highly active and can be dangerous to humans if provoked.

Fish Distribution:

• While C. tilstoni is restricted only to northern Australia, C. limbatus occurs worldwide throughout tropical and warm temperate waters of continental shelfs from estuaries and close inshore to about 150 m (500 feet) depth.
  
• Found throughout the water column but usually near the sea bed during the day and near the surface at night.

Fish Size Common Length:

Common between 120 and 180 cm (4-6 feet) long, maximum size around 285 cm (9 feet 6 inches) long and 120 kg (250 pounds).