17/12/2021
FUN FACTS - WHITETIP REEF SHARK🦈
Chance of encounter in Sipadan: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 (80%)
Did you know...
1) The whitetip reef shark got its common name for the white tips on the first dorsal fin and upper caudal fins. This species also has oval eyes placed laterally and a down-turned mouth that is semicircular which gives this shark a sour grumpy look.
2) The whitetip reef shark is found mainly at coral reefs, but it is also found over sandy flats, in lagoons, and near drop-offs to deeper water. This species is most common at a depth of 8–40 m (26–131 ft). The whitetip reef shark species is not a territorial shark species as it has been seen sharing its caves with other sharks.
3) The whitetip reef shark rarely swims to the surface and do not have to move to breathe. It is capable of lying motionless on the seafloor for long periods of time.
4) This species is quite small compared to other sharks and are benign in nature, they are hardly dangerous, making them one of the cutest species of sharks in the ocean. They almost resemble ocean pups! This shark is quite harmless to humans due to its easygoing nature and small teeth. It avoids close contact with humans, swimming off when approached by swimmers or divers. This species is also known to bite if harassed. They are rarely aggressive towards humans but they do examine swimmers with caution.
5) It feeds mainly on bony fish, including eels, squirrelfish, snappers, damselfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. It also eats octopuses, crabs, and lobsters.
6) In Hawaii, this species of shark is considered to be a guardian spirit, named 'Aumakua', and is held in high regard.
