For every animal. For a shared future.A nonprofit initiative
PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
IDNeed help?

PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). The blacktip reef shark has dark tips on several fins, especially the first dorsal fin; it differs from the whitetip reef shark.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Carcharhinus melanopterus
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus).
(c) Pauline Walsh Jacobson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Blacktip Reef Shark?

Blacktip Reef Shark refers to Carcharhinus melanopterus, in the genus Carcharhinus, family Carcharhinidae, and order Carcharhiniformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Blacktip Reef Shark?

The blacktip reef shark has dark tips on several fins, especially the first dorsal fin; it differs from the whitetip reef shark.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Blacktip Reef Shark?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 394 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Papua Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Bali. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Blacktip Reef Shark?

In the water, keep space, do not chase or touch, and avoid blocking the animal’s route. Record place and date; photographs cannot estimate how many individuals live throughout a sea area. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Blacktip Reef Shark with Whitetip Reef Shark, Bluespotted Fantail Ray, Tasselled Wobbegong. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.