Shark Report: Silvertip Shark | The Beachside Resident

By: Bloody Bill

Article Category: Shark Report Leave a Comment

Carcharhinus albimarginatus, the Silvertip Shark

Whether it’s fed from my studies in marine biology or from my years on commercial fishing vessels, I’m someone who’s both loved and hated (especially after being bitten) sharks for the majority of my life. For the last three or so years, I’ve written about the sharks that I’ve come across while at sea. As of late, I have started describing those I’ve merely heard about, and those I wanted to encounter at some point in life. I pass on the stories I hear and the facts presented by the experts in this field. Many thanks to all the shark dudes out there (and Summer) for their passion, drive, and perseverance and for furthering our knowledge about these incredible creatures. Whether you’ve written the papers I’ve read during my education or captained boats I’ve been on, I thank all of you.

Very little is known about this month’s shark, a species which has always piqued my interest — Carcharhinus albimarginatus, the silvertip shark.

The silvertip is another one of the medium to large species, reaching lengths of up to 9.8 feet according to many resources, but it seems the average size is around 6.5 feet and about 350 pounds. Like most other sharks, this one is similarly colored, being dark olive gray above and whitish below. Distinctive characteristics include an interdorsal ridge between the two dorsal fins, a rounded snout similar to that of grey reef sharks, and silvery whitish tips on the trailing edges of nearly all its fins.

The teeth of this species are very similar to those of the dusky shark. In fact, both species have very similar habitats and mannerisms. The silvertip appears to be found most abundantly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, mostly off the eastern coast of Africa and sporadically throughout the Pacific Ocean. It often resides on the continental shelves and reefs to depths of up to 2,625 feet while younger individuals are found in shallower areas throughout the same environs. This species primarily cruises the outer edges of the reefs of its habitat, and is often found along the edges of deep ledges, where it preys on pelagic fish as well as several species of reef dwelling creatures like octopus and squid. Primarily an ambush hunter, it waits on the outskirts of reefs and ledges until it dashes in and grabs a meal. Apart from these bursts of energy, it’s generally considered a mellow species, and is most likely to be found cruising patiently along the shelf edges.

The silvertip shark is responsible for one unprovoked attack according to the International Shark Attack File. There is the potential for this species to attack when in contact with humans, but it appears to be more curious than anything else. The flesh of this shark is most likely utilized in commercial shark fisheries, and it’s sporadically caught in commercial fishing gear. It’s currently listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN in several areas of its range.