Grey Reef Shark

Overview

The Grey Reef Shark is a common, active, and social requiem shark widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. Often found near coral reef drop-offs and in lagoons, this species is known for its inquisitive nature and tendency to form daytime aggregations in areas with strong currents.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from South Africa and the Red Sea in the west to the Hawaiian and Easter Islands in the east. It favors coastal and insular shelves, particularly the outer slopes and passes of coral reefs where it frequently cruises near the bottom.

Appearance

Featuring a sleek, fusiform body, the Grey Reef Shark is typically grey or bronze-grey on its dorsal side with a white underside. It is easily identified by a broad, conspicuous black band along the posterior margin of its caudal fin. The pectoral and pelvic fins often display black tips or margins, while the first dorsal fin may be plain or tipped with white. It possesses a moderately long, broadly rounded snout and large, round eyes.

Biology & behavior

These sharks are social during the day, often schooling in reef passes, but they tend to disperse at night. They are known for a distinct agonistic threat display—characterized by a hunched posture, dropped pectoral fins, and exaggerated swimming—which they perform when feeling threatened or cornered. While generally inquisitive, they can become aggressive in the presence of food. They are viviparous, typically producing litters of one to six pups after a year-long gestation.