Silvertip shark

Simple ID points:

Sharp nose, white tips to dorsal fin (back fin), pectoral fins (side fins), tail and smaller fins
Large; largest around 3 metres long
Found in deep water inshore and offshore, often seen in deeper reef passages
Feed on midwater and bottom fish, tuna, wahoo, eagle rays, octopus
Give birth to 1 to 11 live babies

Carcharhinus Albimarginatus

The silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) is a large species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, with a fragmented distribution throughout the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. This species is often encountered around offshore islands and coral reefs, and has been known to dive to a depth of 800 m (2,600 ft). The silvertip shark resembles a larger, bulkier grey reef shark (C. amblyrhynchos), and can be easily identified by the prominent white margins on its fins. It attains a maximum length of 3 m (10 ft).

An aggressive, powerful apex predator, the silvertip shark feeds on a wide variety of bony fishes, as well as eagle rays, smaller sharks, and cephalopods. This species dominates other requiem sharks of equal size when competing for food, and larger individuals are often heavily scarred from conflicts with others of its species. As with other members of its family, the silvertip shark is viviparous, with females giving birth to 1–11 pups in the summer. Silvertip sharks are regarded as potentially dangerous to humans, as they often approach divers quite closely. This slow-reproducing species is taken bycommercial fisheries for its meat, fins, skin, cartilage, and jaws and teeth, which has apparently led to local population declines or extirpations. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as Near Threatened

This is an elegant, medium sized shark that can reach well over 2 meters in length and is easily identified by the bright white tips and posterior rim of all of its fins, its large eyes and sleek build with large pectoral fins.

According to some sources, the large eyes are an indication of this species’ more nocturnal habits where the sharks are thought to depart the reef to go and hunt squid.

The best chance of encountering Silvertips is during the months of October to December in Fiji.

Silvertips are fiercely territorial and inquisitive, and will approach divers closely in what is frequently interpreted as aggressive posturing. Should this happen, divers are advised to maintain eye contact and to “stand their ground”, at which the sharks will quickly depart.

Throughout the months of April and November every year, you have the opportunity to help celebrate and record Fiji’s amazing coral reef biodiversity, show you care about our world’s delicate coral reef systems, and have fun, by taking part in the FIJI-WIDE SHARK COUNT!

Easy to do, this is suitable for visitors and locals alike, whether you like to fish, snorkel, or SCUBA dive. We hope that tourists, school children, scientists and all people with an interest in the marine environment will take to the reefs with us to search for the Sharks of Fiji!

The Great Fiji Shark Count will be held across Fiji every April and November every year.

You can do a single count, or take part as many times as you like during that month, so that you cover different reefs. All data will be gratefully accepted!

So, see your resort, watersports operator or travel agent, get your Shark identification materials and dive into the beautiful blue waters of Fiji, to be a part of history!