Common Blacktip Shark, Carcharhinus limbatus (Müller & Henle, 1839)

Scientific name: Carcharhinus limbatus
Alternative name/s:
Blacktip Shark, Blacktip Whaler
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    16/02/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Common Blacktip Sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus Click to enlarge image
Common Blacktip Sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, at a depth of 9m (water depth 22m), Alliwal Shoals, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, December 2007. Image: Rob Harcourt
© Rob Harcourt

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Carcharhinus
    Species
    limbatus
    Family
    Carcharhinidae
    Order
    Carcharhiniformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to about 2.5 m in length.

Introduction

The species has back tips to most fins although some adults may lack distinctive fin markings.

Identification

Common Blacktip Sharks have a bronzish coloured upper surface and lack and interdorsal ridge.

Distribution

The species is found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate waters.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.