Oceanic Blacktip Shark

An Oceanic Blacktip Shark in the waters off Hawaii

OK, so it’s not a great photo, but this is the first time I’ve seen an Oceanic Blacktip Shark. At the time, I didn’t know what it was, but another snorkeler, who has had a few encounters, was able to ID it.

Reef sharks aren’t considered dangerous here, but there are oceanic varieties of both blacktips and whitetips. Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are considered very dangerous, but are rarely seen close to shore. Oceanic Blacktips are more of an unknown quantity, something to be wary of on the rare occasions they’re encountered.

11 thoughts on “Oceanic Blacktip Shark”

    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      The reef sharks have very distinct black or white tips on their fins. The oceanic sharks have less obvious markings, especially the oceanic blacktips.

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