Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium - Shark Talk and Shark Tank

Blacktip Reef Shark This powerful swimmer is well known for its tendency to enter incredibly shallow water and its distinctive dorsal fin spotted by divers protruding from the surface of the water. Clever Camouflage Like many other shark species, Blacktips have a unique camouflage feature called countershading, whereby they have a dark-coloured back and a light-coloured belly. When viewed from below, the blacktip blends in with the brightness of the sunny waters above and when viewed from above, the shark blends in with the dark ocean bottom. This crafty camouflage makes it difficult for predators and prey to see them. Did you know? The Blacktip Reef shark is one of the only sharks that can jump fully out of the water. Blacktip Reef Shark Fast Facts: Common Name: Blacktip Reef Shark Scientific Name: Carcharhinus melanopterus Habitat: Shallow water and coral reefs Diet: Fish, crustaceans and octopus Size: Up to 1.4m Range: Central coast of Western Australia around the tropical north and to southern Queensland Threats: Overfishing and habitat loss Conservation Status: Near threatened https://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/