The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is part of the family of sharks that are called the requiem sharks, and includes such well-known species as tiger and bull sharks.

This sharks's genus name Carcharhinus translates from the Greek to "sharp nose" while the species name longimanus refers to "long fingers," which is a reference to this shark's long pectoral fins.

Description:

Oceanic whitetip sharks are relatively large, with a maximum length of 11-13 feet and weight of 370 pounds.

These sharks have a stocky build with a grayish or brownish body, light underside and white-tipped first dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and tail fins, which is how they got their name. Juvenile sharks may have black-tipped fins and a dark patch between their first and second dorsal fins.

The oceanic whitetip shark has a large, rounded first dorsal fin and long, paddle-like pectoral fins that may be spread widely when the shark is swimming.

Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Superclass: Gnathostoma
• Superclass: Pisces
• Class:Elasmobranchii
• Subclass: Neoselachii
• Infraclass: Selachii
• Superorder: Galeomorphi
• Order: Carcharhiniformes
• Family: Carcharhinidae
• Genus: Carcharhinus
• Species: longimanus

Habitat and Distribution:

Oceanic whitetip sharks are primarily a pelagic species found far out in the open ocean, although they are occasionally found near shore. They are found in tropical and warm temperate waters between the latitudes of 20 degrees North and 20 degrees South.

Feeding:

Oceanic whitetip sharks are active both during the day and night. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, and invertebrates such as crustaceans, cephalopods, gastropods, stingrays, seabirds, sea turtles, and carrion (dead animal flesh).

Reproduction:

Oceanic whitetip sharks reach sexual maturity at about 6-7 years of age. These sharks are viviparous - 1 to 15 pups are born live after being nourished with a yolk sac placenta for about a 12 month gestation period. The pups are about 24 inches long at birth. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the oldest known oceanic whitetip shark lived to 22 years.

Shark Attacks:

According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been 7 non-fatal and 3 fatal unprovoked attacks of oceanic whitetip sharks on humans in the years 1580 - 2012.

These sharks may be dangerous to humans, and were feared during World War I and II for their possible threat to personnel from downed planes and boats. Near divers, these sharks may be a threat due to their persistent, curious nature.

Conservation:

The IUCN Red List lists the oceanic whitetip shark as "vulnerable."

Threats to these sharks include capture for meat, skin (leather), liver oil, and for fishmeal. They are also targeted for shark fins and may be caught as bycatch.

References and Further Information:

• Bailly, N. 2013. Carcharhinus longimanus. In: Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. (2013) FishBase. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on July 31, 2013.
• Baum, J., Medina, E., Musick, J.A. & Smale, M. 2006. Carcharhinus longimanus. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. , July 31, 2013.
• Bester, C. Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Florida Museum of Natural History. Accessed July 31, 2013.
• Compagno, L., Dando, M. and S. Fowler. 2005. Sharks of the World. Princeton University Press.