Silvertip Shark

Max length : 300 cm TL male/unsexed; common length : 200 cm NG male/unsexed; max. published weight: 162.2 kg

An inshore and offshore shark found over or adjacent to continental and insular shelves and offshore banks. Prefers offshore islands, coral reefs and banks. Benthopelagic. Feeds mainly on benthic and midwater fishes (including scombrids), also rays, cephalopods (Ref. 244, 1602), and small sharks and crustaceans. Viviparous. Up to 11 young, size 50 to 60 cm, are born after a gestation period of 12 months. Potentially dangerous. Presumably taken by fisheries in areas where it occurs. Caught irregularly by shark and tuna longline and tuna gillnet fisheries.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0. First dorsal fin and pectoral fins angular, and not expanded; upper teeth triangular; interdorsal ridge present. Dark grey or grey-brown above, white below; all fins with conspicuous white tips and posterior margins

Viviparous, placental. With 1 to 11 pups per litter (usually 5 or 6). Gestation period is about one year, young are born in summer. Size at birth 55 to 80 cm; 713-81 cm TL. In southern hemisphere, both breeding and pupping occur in summer. Distinct pairing with embrace

Summary of Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, Aldabra Group, Mauritius and the Chagos Archipelago east to Tuamotu Is., north to Japan and south to Australia. Not confirmed in west Atlantic
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)