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Silvertip Shark
Carcharhiniformes

Silvertip Shark

Carcharhinus albimarginatus

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Max Length

3.0m

Litter Size

1-11 pups

Overview

Recognized by prominent white tips and margins on all fins. Typically dominant over other reef sharks of similar size. Found around islands and offshore reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Habitat

They prefer the continental shelf, offshore islands, coral reefs, and offshore banks. They can also be found inside lagoons, near drop-offs and offshore, from the surface to depths of 1968.5 to 2624.7 ft [600 to 800 m]. These sharks are not oceanic. The young sharks are found more often in shallower water close to the shore, while adults are more wide ranging.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific Ocean

Tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean, and are widely but patchily distributed. They are unconfirmed in the west Atlantic.

Behavior

These sharks range from the surface to the bottom, but may not disperse widely between sites. They often follow boats. They are more aggressive and dominant than the Galapagos shark - Carcharhinus galapagensis and the Blacktip shark - Carcharhinus limbatus. Adults are often scarred. These sharks are large, bold, and potentially harmful. There has been one confirmed shark-bite incident. Caution is advised when encountering this shark underwater.

Biology

Diet
A variety of mid-water and bottom fishes, eagle rays, and octopi.
Reproduction
These sharks are viviparous, with yolk-sac placenta and 1-11 pups per litter, but often 5-6, after about a 1 year gestation period
Male Maturity
1.8m

Appearance

Silvertip Shark illustration
Dorsal
Dark grey, and sometimes bronze-tinged above, white below.

Dentition

Upper jaw
Upper teeth are triangular.
Sources:sharksorg

Recorded incidents involving the silvertip shark

Recorded

3

Fatal

0

Fatality rate

0.0%

Years

1989–2007

Top countries

Years with most incidents

Counts are based on the species field of the Global Shark Attack File. Identifications by witnesses are often uncertain; treat figures as recorded incidents, not authoritative totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks have been recorded involving the silvertip shark?
3 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the silvertip shark, of which 0 were fatal (0.0%). Note that witness species identifications are often uncertain, so this is the count of recorded incidents.
Where do most silvertip shark incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded silvertip shark incidents are French Polynesia, Sudan, Papua New Guinea.
Is the silvertip shark dangerous to humans?
The silvertip shark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.
Where does this species data come from?
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.
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