Come identificare Whitetip Reef Shark

Per identificare Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsal surface grey to brownish-grey, ventral surface white. Distinctive white tips on the first dorsal fin and the upper lobe of the caudal fin.

Tipo di squame

placoid

Posizione della bocca

inferior

Caratteristiche distintive

Slender body, Short, broad snout, Oval eyes with vertical pupils, Small, serrated teeth adapted for grasping prey, Prominent white tips on first dorsal and upper caudal fins

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is moderately large and originates behind the pectoral fin bases. The second dorsal fin is much smaller, about half the height of the first, and originates over or slightly anterior to the anal fin. Both have distinct white tips.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is asymmetrical, with a well-developed upper lobe featuring a white tip and a smaller lower lobe.

Pinna pettorale

Pectoral fins are broad and somewhat triangular.

Pinne distintive

The most distinctive feature is the prominent white tip on the first dorsal fin and the upper lobe of the caudal fin, which is present even in juveniles.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   White fin tips

   Look for the prominent white tips on the first dorsal fin and the upper lobe of the caudal fin. This is the most reliable distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Body shape and size

   Relatively small and slender shark, typically reaching 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length, with a maximum recorded length of 2.1 meters (6.9 feet).

3. 3

   Snout and eyes

   Possesses a short, broad snout and oval eyes with vertical pupils, giving it a somewhat cat-like appearance.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Often seen resting motionless on the bottom or in caves during the day, becoming active at night to hunt.

Esplora Whitetip Reef Shark