White Tip Reef Sharks

Whitetip reef sharks

The Whitetip reef shark must constantly swim so it can pump water over its gills although it will rest for short periods on the bottom. Mostly active at night, the Whitetip reef shark hunts in groups where they can force their way into crevices in the coral and extract hidden prey. Sometimes, Whitetip reef sharks stay within a particular area of the reef for months or years, time and again returning to the same shelter to rest. A female Whitetip will give berth to 1-6 pups after a lengthy pregnancy of around 10-13 months.

Although mostly active at night, they are commonly seen during the day and can often be observed feeding along the reef in the last part of the afternoon.

Dangers

The Whitetip reef sharks are very rarely aggressive towards humans, but they will come and check you out whilst you're snorkelling or diving. However, people spearfishing often have even closer encounters with them and are at risk of being bitten by one attempting to steal their catch. Nearly every recorded case of a bit by a Whitetip reef shark has been blamed on a case of mistaken identity or over exitement. People swimming on the reef immediately after throwing food or fish carcases in the water (Especially at night) has led to a couple of bits. The shark almost never continues the attack after realising it's mistake.

Feeding

This species feeds mainly on bony fishes, as well as octopus, crayfish and crabs. Pretty much anything it can find out in the open aor accessible in it's hiding hole.

Snorkelling

If you are snorkelling around the Whitsunday Island reefs, you may encounter one, but they tend to be quite small around the fringing reefs during the day and are about 1m long. You'll find it more of a curiosity for you and the shark will likely keep it's distance and move well away from you. Sharks after all are generally cautious and timid creatures.

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

When diving the Great Barrier Reef though, you are more likely to encounter the reef sharks and the Whitetip reef shark is no exception. Generally on the reef in waters over 10m, especially along deeper drop offs, you'll often see them cruising the ledges sized up to about 2m in length. They are sometimes alone, but generally hang out in groups of 3 to 5. As they cruise the ledges, you may be lucky enough to see one feeding late in the afternoon or early morning by shoving it's head into a small crevase and trying to extract a poor unfortunate little morsel. They will sometimes break coral around their prey to get at it. This behaviour is less likely to be seen during the middle of the day.