Nature Field Guide
Whitetip Reef Shark
- Spanish name
- Tiburón punta blanca de arrecife
- Scientific name
- Triaenodon obesus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “Its fins have little white tips!”
Tati: “We need to compare its whole shape, because other sharks can have white markings too.”
Species overview
About the Whitetip Reef Shark
The whitetip reef shark is a relatively small gray-brown shark with conspicuous pale tips on its dorsal and tail fins. Unlike sharks that must swim continuously to ventilate their gills, it can rest on the bottom.
It is associated with reef settings and shelters such as caves. Daytime resting and nighttime hunting are characteristic behaviors. Its name should not be confused with the oceanic whitetip, a different species.
At Isla del Coco, research and park material document this shark. Those records describe occurrence rather than the number a visitor should expect to see. Compare fin markings, body shape and the setting together when identifying it.
Identification
Key Features of the Whitetip Reef Shark
White tips on the first dorsal fin and upper tail fin.
A slender gray-brown body.
May rest on the bottom in reef shelter.
Habitat & range
Reefs and sheltered bottom habitats. The Isla del Coco connection is supported by park and research records.
Local observations
Published submersible research records this species at Isla del Coco. Its observation depths in that study are research findings, not recommended recreational diving depths.
When to observe
Observations depend on route, visibility, currents and animal movements. No fixed viewing season or guaranteed sighting is established by this profile.
Conservation & care
Follow park rules and qualified guides. Do not feed, touch, chase or collect marine wildlife. Maintain distance and avoid contact with reef habitat.
Observation activity
Use a verified identification image to sketch three distinguishing features. During any guided observation, record the place, date and behavior without moving closer to the animal.