Whitetip reef shark swimming above coral reef

Images(3)

Whitetip reef shark swimming above coral reef

Photographer Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

Date1953-2000

Object numberANMS1457[249]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film, paper

DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Terms

DescriptionWhitetip reef sharks are a medium-sized shark that grow to an average length of 1.6m with white-tipped dorsal and tail fins, giving them their name. They are nocturnal and can be found in caves piled on top of each other resting during the day. They are a broadly distributed species so they can be seen in many of Valerie’s image collection. They have relatively small jaws and were an apt size for early testing of the innovative chainmail suit envisioned by the Taylors. Many of their dive friends and some family members were willing participants to work together with whitetips and learn about shark behaviour.