How to spot the Whitetip reef shark when scuba diving
Triaenodon obesus
Blacktip Reef: Tropical Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, East Africa to Hawaii, Japan to Northern Australia). Very common on shallow coral reefs. Whitetip Reef: Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, East Africa to Central America including Galapagos). Also very common on coral reefs.
Can be encountered day or night. Whitetips often rest on the bottom or in caves during the day and hunt actively at night. Blacktips patrol reef flats and edges, often in very shallow water, especially during high tide. Encounterable year-round.
Tropical waters.
Abundant on coral reefs, reef flats, slopes, and drop-offs. Look for Whitetips resting under ledges or in caves/overhangs during the day. Blacktips often seen cruising shallow reef areas (sometimes fins break the surface). Generally shy; avoid fast movements. Minimal movement and patience increase chances of closer observation.
Worldwide observation of the Whitetip reef shark
Scroll out to see a bigger view
Data sources
- Photos: Wikimedia Commons
- Distribution and specie data: GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
Still on dry land?
Join fellow dive enthusiasts who've already discovered the easiest way to track their underwater adventures and their diving analytics!