Home * Join Us * Adopt a Shark * Donate * Shark Shop * Members Area * Get Involved * Online Petition * Contact * * 
Yellow dot Site Map * FAQ * Links * Search:
 RSS Feed  View RSS Feed for this page
Conservation
*
Home
Shark News & Events
About the Shark Trust
Save Sharks
Shark Campaigns
About Sharks
Shark Database
British Sharks
Skates & Rays
Shark Biology
Shark Factsheets
Shark Research
Shark Maps
Shark Attacks
UK Aquariums
Education
Sightings Database
Downloads
Shark Gallery
Shark Forum
WHAT'S HOT
New Skate & Ray ID Guides
Basking Shark Project
Great Eggcase Hunt
Whale Shark Project
Try this!
*
*
Shark Database
Oceanic whitetip shark
Oceanic whitetip shark Shark Name Oceanic whitetip shark
Scientific Name Carcharhinus longimanus
Species Authority  Poey, 1861
Shark Order Carcharhiniformes - Ground sharks
Family Carcharhinidae - Requiem sharks (Jordan & Evermann, 1896)
Region World
Appearance

The oceanic whitetip has un unmistakeable appearance with its enlarged first dorsal fin, and long paddle shaped pectoral fins. These fins have obvious white mottling to the tips, juveniles have black tips on some fins. C. Longimanus is a large stocky shark, usually grey or brownish with a white underside. It has small eyes, a bluntly rounded snout, an interdorsal ridge is present and inconspicuous caudal keels.
Size
Born: 60 -65cm TL.
Mature: 175-198 (male), ~180-200cm (female).
Max: possibly 350- 395.
Distribution

Worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate waters, usually found far offshore in the open sea. Often found near the surface but also depths of at least 150m.

Biology
Reproduction: Viviparous, yolk-sac placenta. Number of young increase with the mothers size (1-15 pups). Gestation period of about one year.

Diet: Longimanus will eat almost anything it can catch in the open sea - from fish, squid, turtles and sea birds to whale carcasses, carion and garbage.

Behaviour: C Longimanus is considered dangerous as it has powerfull jaws, large teeth and although rarely seen, will approach swimmers and small boats being very inquisitive and often persistent. Although generally slow moving it is active both day and night often cruising at or near the surface. Thought responsible for many open-ocean attacks on victims of air and sea disasters.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.
Though originally widespread and common, some massive population decreases recently reported. Its huge fins are of very high value in the fin trade and it has been taken in huge numbers as bycatch in longline fisheries and directed fisheries. Low reproductive capacity makes fishing even more unsustainable.
Notes Due to their aggresive nature Oceanic Whitetips will dominate most other shark species when competing for food. Some size and sexual segregation reported.
Reference
Compagno, P., Dando,M. and Fowler,S. A Field Guide to Sharks. Harper Collins Publishers, London 2005, pp.300-301

2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Taylor,L. Sharks and Rays. Harper Collins Publishers, London 1997 pp.176
Author's Name Mark Bradfield

Admin Login | Send this page to a friend | Print Friendly View (New Window)
 | Text only version | WebBasedRegistered charity no. 1064185 Registered company no. 3396164
Version 1.1 | All web content © Shark Trust unless otherwise stated.
The Shark Trust promotes the study, management and conservation of sharks, skates and rays. The Shark Trust is the UK member of the European Elasmobranch Association. As such, it collaborates with other national member bodies to achieve their aims in British, European and international waters. The Trust aims to join forces with other groups concerned with shark, skate and ray conservation issues. These include commercial fisherman, recreational sea anglers, divers, yachtsmen, and all those who want to ensure the future survival of these fascinating but threatened animals.