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Silver tip shark swimming above coral reef
Silver tip shark swimming above coral reef

Silver tip shark swimming above coral reef

Photographer (born 1935)
DateAugust 1989
Object numberANMS1457[693]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film, paper
DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionSilver tip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) can be mistaken for grey reef and whitetip sharks however they can be distinguished by their white tips and borders on all their fins. They are primarily found in the Western Indian Ocean as the apex predator that is considered aggressive as they dominate over similar sized shark species within the same habitat. Juveniles will live closer to shore in shallow waters and as an adult that reaches around 160-199cm in length they move to offshore islands, coral banks and reefs.