Blacktip Reef Shark — Carcharhinus melanopterus

Reef speed with unmistakable contrast

The Blacktip Reef Shark is one of the most recognizable reef predators in the world. Sleek, athletic, and built for constant motion, this species features a streamlined gray body highlighted by bold black tips on the dorsal and pectoral fins. The sharp contrast between its silver-gray base and jet-black fin markings gives it a clean, aggressive aesthetic that stands out in any large marine system.

Native to shallow Indo-Pacific coral reefs, Carcharhinus melanopterus is an active, open-water swimmer that rarely stops moving. Unlike bottom-dwelling sharks, Blacktips cruise continuously, patrolling reef edges and sandy flats with confidence. They are powerful, highly oxygen-dependent predators that require uninterrupted swimming space and stable marine conditions.

Reaching 5–6+ feet in length, this species is strictly suited for public aquariums or extremely large, professionally engineered private marine systems. It is not appropriate for standard home aquariums.

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Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15,000+ gallons (public aquarium scale recommended)

• Tank Shape: Large oval or circular design preferred for continuous swimming

• Swimming Space: 20+ feet of uninterrupted length

• Substrate: Fine marine sand

• Flow: Moderate to strong marine circulation

• Lighting: Moderate reef-style lighting

• Filtration: Industrial-grade marine life support system required

• Oxygen: Extremely high dissolved oxygen critical

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Tank Mates

Best housed with large, non-aggressive marine species:

• Large reef fish (groupers, snappers in large systems)

• Rays (system dependent)

• Other compatible reef sharks (in very large systems)

Avoid small fish and aggressive tank mates.

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: As low as possible

• Water Quality: Pristine, highly stable marine conditions essential

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Diet

Carnivorous:

• Marine fish

• Squid

• Shrimp

• Clams and crustaceans