Blacktip Reef Shark illustration
Species

Blacktip Reef Shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus
Tier 4Eating6/10medium tackleVulnerableQLDWANT
0 waypoints100–150 cm (max 200 cm) typical

Overview: about blacktip reef shark

Sleek tropical reef shark with distinctive black fin tips, common in shallow tropical waters around northern Australia. Often a surprise catch on light reef tackle. Mostly released by rec anglers.

Biology: Blacktip Reef Shark size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Flats, Inshore, Reef
Typical size
100–150 cm (max 200 cm)
Weight
10–40 kg
Depth range
0–75 m
Diet
fish, crustaceans
Global range
Indo-Pacific

How to target: Blacktip Reef Shark angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • live baits over reef, wire trace

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: moderateAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Conservation

IUCN: Vulnerable

Recent community catches: anglers who caught blacktip reef shark

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More information: blacktip reef shark references & sources

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