ANIMAL SPECIES:Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Bleeker, 1856)
The Grey Reef Shark has a black caudal fin margin. The species occurs in tropical marine waters throughout the Indo-west and Central Pacific.
Alternative Name/s
Black-vee Whaler, Fowler's Whaler Shark, Graceful Shark, Graceful Whaler Shark, Longnose Blacktail SharkIdentification
The Grey Reef Shark is bronze to grey above, pale below, and has a black caudal fin margin. An indistinct stripe runs anteriorly from above the pelvic fins. The first dorsal fin sometimes has a small white tip and a white posterior margin.
Size range
This species grows to 2.55 m in length but individuals over 1.8 m are uncommon.Distribution
The species is found in tropical marine waters throughout the Indo-west and Central Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from the central Western Australian coast, around the tropical north and south to southern Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Grey Reef Shark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Grey Whaler Shark is a common species on coral reefs. It lives from the surface down to a depth of about 280 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
It has an inquisitive nature, often investigating disturbances and approaching divers. It has a well-documented threat display that involves raising its head, arching its back, lowering its pectoral fins, and swimming with exaggerated movements.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
The species is regarded as potentially dangerous.
Classification
- Species:
- amblyrhynchos
- Genus:
- Carcharhinus
- Family:
- Carcharhinidae
- Order:
- Carcharhiniformes
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- 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.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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Grey Reef Shark at South Horn View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Grey Reef Shark at North Horn, Osprey Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Grey Reef Sharks at South Horn View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A 2.5 m long Grey Reef Shark at ‘The Cod Hole’ View full size
Jason Coombs
© Jason Coombs
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