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Oceanic whitetip shark
NOT ON EXHIBIT
At the Aquarium
Natural History
The oceanic whitetip is easily recognized by its large, rounded dorsal fin and long, paddle-like pectoral fins—all of which have white tips, giving this species its common name. Oceanic whitetips are found in the open ocean, generally far from land. In the wild, this shark is often accompanied by remoras, dolphinfish, pilotfish and various species of sea turtles.
Conservation
Oceanic whitetips are often captured as bycatch in fishing gear meant for other species. Their fins are highly prized, but their carcasses are often discarded. Like all sharks, this species could become threatened as fishing pressure increases.
Cool Facts
Aggressive and unpredictable, the oceanic whitetip is considered one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators.
The scientific name "Carcharhinus longimanus" translates to "long-finned shark that attacks humans" from Greek and Latin roots.
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Animal Facts
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ON EXHIBIT
- Scientific Name:
Carcharhinus longimanus
- Habitat:
Open Waters
- Animal Type:
Fishes
- Diet:
fishes, threadfins, stingrays, sea turtles, sea birds, gastropods, squid, crustaceans, mammalian carrion and garbage
- Size:
to 12 feet (3 m), 350 pounds (159 kg)
- Range:
worldwide in tropical and sub-tropical oceans
- Relatives:
requiem sharks, including the tiger shark; bull shark, blacktip reef shark and sandbar shark
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