Sharks on the Great Barrier Reef

Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). This is the most commonly seen reef shark. It is about 1.5 m long with a distinctive black tip on its pectoral fin.

White tip reef shark Photo: GBRMPA

Whitetip reef shark (Triaeodon obesus). This shark is slightly larger than the blacktip shark, up to 2 m, with a white tip on the pectoral fin. It is not an aggressive shark.

Grey reef shark or graceful shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). The Grey shark can grow to just over 2 m, and has a distinctive black edge on its caudal fin. It has been known to be aggressive and can use a threat display.

Hammerhead (Sphyrna sp.). The elongated hammer-shaped heads of these sharks are unmistakable. They can grow to over 4m and can attack swimmers, although they are not particularly aggressive. The separation of the eyes (on each end of the 'hammer') enhances vision, and the large nose area has many electroreceptors.

Tawny nurse shark (Nebrius ferrugineus). This shark grows to 3m, and is found in the base of coral caves. It is not aggressive.

Grey reef shark Photo: GBRMPA

Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri). The tiger shark is the largest shark on most reefs and can grow to 5m. It has a blunt snout, large mouth and "tiger" stripes which fade in larger animals. It is an opportunistic predator, eating other large fish, birds and mammals, and is considered dangerous to people.

Wobbegong (Orectolobus sp). Sharks in this group have a flattened mottled appearance. They are largely nocturnal and sleep on the bottom during the day. They grow to 2-3m. The leaf-like fronds around their mouths are very sensitive.

Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium oscellatum). A small shark to 1m in length, this species is a reef flat dweller. It has distinctive black spots just below its pectoral fins.

(Some material in this site was modified from Tropical Topics edited by Stella Martin from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)