Blacktip Reef Shark

Named for the distinctive black markings on its pectoral and dorsal fins, the blacktip reef shark inhabits the warm shallow waters of tropical lagoons, coral reefs, and some shoreline areas. Though fish are a staple of its diet, the blacktip reef shark also uses its sharp serrated teeth to consume crustaceans (crabs and lobsters) and cephalopods (octopus and squids). In shallow waters off the coast of Australia, this shark is also known for eating a large number of snakes. Blacktip reef sharks are smallish in size and generally not dangerous to humans.