Whitetip Reef Shark
Triaenodon obesus
Sighting evidence at Coral Garden, Nosy Be
Photo: Craig Fujii · CC BY-NC-ND
The sandy channels between Coral Garden's bommies serve as daytime resting spots for resident whitetip reef sharks, which lie motionless in groups of 3 to 8 individuals. Unlike many sharks they can remain stationary and pump water over their gills without swimming — an adaptation that suits their crevice-hunting nocturnal lifestyle. At night they become formidable pack hunters, coordinating to flush reef fish from crevices with a precision and energy that belies their lazy daytime demeanour.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Whitetip Reef Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.