Grey Reef Shark

Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC

Grey reef sharks patrol the wall in groups of two to six, using the current to cruise with minimal energy expenditure and targeting the fusilier schools that congregate in the water column above the reef edge. They are highly territorial and will perform a characteristic hunched-back threat display if divers approach too quickly or block their escape route — a behaviour that makes them invaluable for studying shark communication. The Tokashiki population benefits from the marine protected area designation of the Kerama National Park, which prohibits all extraction within core zones.