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What To Look For:
A slender-bodied shark with lateral ridges and a very long low
caudal fin.
Color:
Juveniles are brown with pale stripes. As the shark matures its
body becomes pale tan with scattered dark leopard-like spots.
Size:
Most sharks average 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1m), and reach a length
of at least 7.6 ft (2.3 m), and few individuals may attain a total
length of 11.6 ft (3.54 m). Males mature at 4.8 to 6 ft (1.47 to
1.83 m). Females mature at 5.5 to 5.6 ft (1.69 to 1.71m).
Teeth:
Small, tricuspid.
Habitat:
Tropical inshore waters.
Distribution:
Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Biology:
• Prey:
Molluscs, crustaceans and small fish.
• Reproduction:
Oviparous. The shark lays dark brown or purple egg-cases. Each
eggcase has tufts of hairlike fibers which serve to anchor it to the
substrate. Pups hatch at a size of 7.8 to 14 inches (20 to 36 cm).
Behaviour:
• General:
Usually seen resting on sandy areas of the reef, propped up on its
pectoral fins and facing the current with an open mouth. By day the
shark is sluggish, but it may become more active at night.
Disposition:
Docile.
• Danger To Humans:
Generally nil, but it has the equipment to deliver a painful bite to
its tormentors.
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