Silvertip shark
📖 Overview
An inshore and offshore shark found over or adjacent to continental and insular shelves and offshore banks . Prefers offshore islands, coral reefs and banks . Benthopelagic . Feeds mainly on benthic and midwater fishes (including scombrids), also rays, cephalopods , and small sharks and crustaceans . Viviparous . Up to 11 young, size 50 to 60 cm, are born after a gestation period of 12 months . Potentially dangerous . Presumably taken by fisheries in areas where it occurs . Caught irregularly by shark and tuna longline and tuna gillnet fisheries. Utilized for its fins (high value in adults), meat, skin and cartilage . Probably utilized fresh and dried-salted for human consumption . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 86942.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. First dorsal fin and pectoral fins angular, and not expanded; upper teeth triangular; interdorsal ridge present . Dark grey or grey-brown above, white below; all fins with conspicuous white tips and posterior margins .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Silvertip shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous, placental . With 1 to 11 pups per litter (usually 5 or 6) . Gestation period is about one year, young are born in summer . Size at birth 55 to 80 cm ; 713-81 cm TL. In southern hemisphere, both breeding and pupping occur in summer . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 800 m , usually 20 - ? m . Tropical; 32°N - 31°S, 31°E - 77°W East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, Aldabra Group, Mauritius and the Chagos Archipelago east to Tuamotu Is.
🌿 Ecology
benthic and midwater fishes (including scombrids), also rays, cephalopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Silvertip shark is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 116 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Silvertip shark has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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