From ReefPedia

[edit] Blacktip reef shark Scientific Name Carcharhinus melanopterus Max. Size: 6.5 feet/2.0 meters, but rarely exceeds 5.9 feet/1.8 meters Tank Size: Minimum for pups - at least 6,000 gallons(16' diameter pond), For an adult - At least 23,000-24,000 gallons (30' Diameter pond). Although this species is really best suited for public aquariums Aggression: A very active, and predatory species, although not really known to be a species dangerous toward humans. Hardiness: Fairly hardy for a requiem shark. But best suited only for very experienced shark aquarists. Reef-Safe: Yes - if you have a large enough tank. Available as captive-bred: none presently known.

pic coming soon

Physical Description

Classic carcharhinid shape, brownish-gray coloration above, with a white under belly, and black tips on both Dorsal fins, the pectorial fins, anal fin & lower caudal fin.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific region - from Japan & Hawaiian Islands, to Australia, & Indonesian, over to the Red Sea.

Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About

• Family: Carcharhinids (Requiem Sharks)

• Genus: Carcharhinus (Ground sharks)

• Species: melanopterus (Black fin)

Behavior

Aggressive, fast swimming predator, known to hunt reef flats for fish, or other prey. Tends to have a home range of only a 1 square mile.

Feeding

Feeds primarily on bony fish (such as mullet, herring, parrotfish, triggerfish, & wrasses), also feeds on reef invertebrates (such as octopuses, squids, lobsters, shrimps, and crabs.

Breeding

Known to be viviparous - that is give birth the live young. Litters are usually about 2-5 pups - at about 13-16 inches(33-41 cm) at birth. Gestation usually takes about 8-9 months.

Social Structure

Blacktips Reefs are known to be social with other sharks of their own species, or even other carcharhinids of similar size.

Current Views

Additional Notes

Persently the most popular carcharhinid known in LFS, and private aquarist pet fish trade. But this species really should only be kept but aquarists who have the means to have a shark lagoon over 23,000 gallons.