scubaseason

Blacktip Reef Shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Sighting evidence at Dubai Artificial Reef, Dubai

Blacktip Reef Shark

Photo: Poseidon’s Adventure · CC BY-NC

Small resident population patrols the outer reef edges and wreck superstructure, particularly active at dusk when they hunt schooling fish. In the Gulf their range is compressed into shallow, warm water where they display bolder behaviour around divers than in open-ocean populations. Sightings are most frequent from October through April when water temperatures drop and visibility improves.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Blacktip Reef Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites