Shark Data Lab logoShark Data Lab
ENFR
Grey Reef Shark
CarcharhiniformesAttack Relevant

Grey Reef Shark

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Back to species

Max Length

2.6m

Litter Size

1 to 6 pups

Overview

A common reef shark throughout the Indo-Pacific. Performs a distinctive arching threat display — hunched back, lowered pectorals — before biting. Territorial around reef drop-offs and channel entrances.

Habitat

A coastal-pelagic and inshore species common on coral reefs, often in deeper areas near drop-offs to the open sea, and in shallow lagoons adjacent to areas of strong currents. It is often seen cruising near the bottom but will visit the surface, particularly to investigate food sources. Frequently found on leeward sides of small coral islands.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific eastward to Hawaiian Islands.

Behavior

This is an active, strong-swimming social species that forms daytime aggregations in reef passes and lagoons; at night the groups disperse. Groups of juveniles remain together on pupping grounds.

Human Safety

Gray reef sharks are inquisitive, and in seldom-frequented areas divers have been approached very closely by several of these sharks, particularly when they initially enter the water. However, once the sharks’ curiosity is satisfied they usually retreat and remain at a distance.

Biology

Diet
Feeds on reef fish less than 12 inches [30 cm] in length, as well as squid, octopus, crabs, lobsters and shrimp.
Reproduction
Viviparous, with yolk-sac placenta
Birth Size
60cm
Male Maturity
1.45m

Appearance

Grey Reef Shark illustration
Dorsal
Gray dorsal surface and a broad black band on the posterior margin of the caudal fin.

Dentition

Upper jaw
The teeth of the upper jaw are narrow-cusped and serrated, those of the
Lower jaw
jaw are awl-shaped.
Sources:sharksorg

Recorded incidents involving the grey reef shark

Recorded

21

Fatal

0

Fatality rate

0.0%

Years

1961–2023

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 grey reef shark?
21 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the grey reef 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 grey reef shark incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded grey reef shark incidents are French Polynesia, Australia, Marshall Islands.
Is the grey reef shark dangerous to humans?
The grey reef shark is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.
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.
Back to species