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Cartilaginous fish that inhabits shallow waters
Scientific Name:
Common Name: Blacktip Reef Shark
Dimensions: It is usually less than 160 cm long, but may reach up to 2 m.
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN 2018.0174
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The blacktip reef shark is characterized by a short, rounded snout, oval eyes, and narrow-cusped teeth. It lacks an interdorsal ridge and possesses a sizable second dorsal fin. Its colouration is yellow-brown on the upper and side areas, transitioning to white on the underside, accompanied by a dark flank band. Particularly distinctive are its fins with black or dark brown tips, and the first dorsal fin stands out with a striking black tip bordered by a light band below.
Habitat and Biology
The blacktip reef shark inhabits shallow inshore waters and commonly occurs singly or in small groups near coral assemblages, but may also be found in mangrove areas. It prefers fish, but it also feeds on crustaceans and cephalopods. They are viviparous and the females give birth to two to four pups. Usually, it is very shy, but it may become aggressive to spear fishers and has been known to bite people wading in shallow water.
ECO System Qatar
Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals thriving in nutrient-poor marine waters, typically in shallow, productive regions on solid substrates. Composed of calcium carbonate secretions, they serve essential ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural roles. They offer shelter and sustenance to various marine life, protect coastlines from storms and erosion, support fishing and leisure activities, and are part of cultural heritage. Around 10% of Qatar's seabed is covered by coral reefs, vital to over 80% of the Gulf's fish species. Noteworthy Qatar reefs are near Halul Island, Othman Reef, and Khor Al Udaid. Unfortunately, these reefs are endangered, as evidenced by a significant decline in coral health.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Freyhof, Jörg & Els, Johannes & Feulner, Gary & Hamidan, Nashat & Krupp, Friedhelm. (2020). Freshwater Fishes of the Arabian Peninsula.