Whitetip Reef Shark

White tip reef sharks, Triaenodon obesus, are common visitors to the coral reefs around Cousine Island. They are medium sized sharks (1.6 – 1.75m) most recognisable by the white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins. These sharks are often seen resting on the seabed, in caves or below overhangs during the day, hunting predominately at night targeting various reef fish and cuttlefish. Unlike most other species of shark which need to swim constantly to breath, whitetips can pump water over their gills and lie still when resting. This species is very social and inquisitive and is known to investigate people that are snorkelling or scuba diving in the area, but rarely pose any danger to humans. This makes them a particularly favourable shark to dive with.