Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus Limbatus) Description

Blacktip Sharks, another species of requiem shark-like their blue cousin, are known for the little black markings on the tip of their fins. Unlike the Blue Shark, however, they’re stouter and have longer gill slits. They also don’t have a ridge near their dorsal fins. Like most sharks, they have a long snout and a single dorsal fin. However, the Blacktip Shark’s dorsal fin also has a slight slope with a pointed-edge behind the dorsal fin.

The Blacktip Shark despite being stout is actually quite robust and streamlined to handle swimming in deeper waters. It has smaller eyes which makes it more reliant on the scent. Its body is similar to that of the Spinner Shark but genetically, it’s more similar to the Blacknose Shark which may be where it inherited the black markings.
 

Blacktip Shark Diet and Size

Blacktip Sharks have a variety of food in their diet. Most of their diet involves fish. Some of these fish include sardines, herring, anchovy, mackerel, groupers, and flatfish. However, in some parts of the world particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, they seem to have a preference for Atlantic Croaker.
Blacktip Sharks grow up to an average of 1.5 m (4.9 ft). However, they have a maximum reported length of 2.8 m (9.2 ft) weighing 271 lbs.
 

Interesting Facts about the Blacktip Shark

• Blacktip Sharks are known for jumping on boats!
  • They have an excitable personality and they’re quite sociable too which makes them more prone to feeding frenzies when they smell their favorite food.
• Despite being excitable, Blacktip Sharks can be quite timid and prefer watching from afar.
  • Because of their timid nature, Blacktip Sharks can lose out to the Galapagos Sharks.
• Blacktip Sharks are known for their agonistic response especially when they confront another shark.
• Blacktip Sharks are known for jumping high up into the air. They can reach up to 21 ft per second!
• Like the Blue Shark, the Blacktip Shark’s timid nature makes it an easy target for finning.
   

Blacktip Shark – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Blacktip Shark

When fishing for a Blacktip Shark, you’re going to need a heavy braided-line. You’ll need equipment that can handle at least 20-50 pounds and some circle hooks to make sure the connections don’t snap. Using a braided line makes fishing for a Blacktip Shark more forgiving especially if they become quite excitable.

Once you have your equipment, start setting up different lines to reel them in. Blacktip Sharks are known to patrol areas where they can find their preferred fish, making them loiter around artificial reefs. After that, bring out the chum. Using mackerel, herring, and their other preferred fish, pound it to paste and begin seasoning the water. That usually means pouring down the chum into the water where they can detect it. Other anglers also suggest using live sardines since they’re oily.

Fish that are oily and strong-smelling are a preferred bait for catching a Blacktip Shark.
 

Blacktip Shark Habitat and Distribution

Blacktip Sharks can be found in the tropical waters of Massachusetts and Brazil.  However, they are also found near the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Blacktip Sharks were also spotted at the boundary of the Indian Ocean.

In the waters, however, Blacktip Sharks are often swimming in 98ft worth of water and usually stay in over continental and insular shelves. However, sometimes they can be found in 210 ft. They also prefer muddy bays and island lagoons.