The whale shark, which has 5,000 teeth and can grow up to 50 feet long, is the largest type of shark. Researchers place three species, the blacktip, grey, and Caribbean, in the taxonomic genus Carcharhinus.They place the fourth, the more distantly related whitetip species, in the taxonomic genus Triaenodon.. Of the four species, the most well-known is the blacktip Reef Shark. They will most likely approach you curiously, but attacks are extremely rare. ... 9 Dangerous Coral Reef Creatures By. The undersides of the pectoral, pelvic and anal fins and the ventral caudal lobe are dusky coloured. While reef sharks are important to the ecology of the reef system, they aren't dangerous to humans. Caribbean Reef sharks typically are seen cruising the edge of reefs, over deep water. Before you head out to explore a reef or swim along the coastline, learn which species to avoid. For the most part, the reef shark will only attack if it feels cornered, and then it will usually rake its victim, causing lacerations. Additionally known as “Reef Shark”, the species have a unique colour and it appears white to light yellow on the ventral side and grey-brown to dark-grey on the dorsal side. Sharks are beautiful creatures that are crucial for a healthy ecosystem. Sharks, particularly the small reef sharks that you'll most likely see on a shark dive in Fiji, are less dangerous than you'd think. This shark is found in all parts of the world, but it is present in large quality in the regions of North America, southern Africa, and Western Australia. Reef sharks seem to attack because they are territorial animals, protecting their piece of the sea. It weighs up to 2450 pounds which is extremely heavy. Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl McPhee, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University As summer descends, sharks may be at the forefront of the minds of many beach goers and reef adventurers. The species is a source of meat and liver oil. It is one of the most common reef sharks in the Indo-Pacific and is found as far east as Easter Island and as far west as South Africa. Grey Reef Shark. However, it prefers food like small fish, shrimp and plankton, and therefore is not dangerous to people. Many people think sharks … The Caribbean Reef Shark is dark grey to grey-brown on the dorsal side and white to light yellow on the ventral side. The shark species is somewhat dangerous to humans but does not have a history of attacks on humans. As summer descends, sharks may be at the forefront of the minds of many beach goers and reef adventurers. The term “Reef Shark” applies to four different species. 6. In fact, there have only been 4 recorded instances of sharks attacking divers in … A more dangerous species occasionally seen in the Keys is the bull shark. Taking a nap beneath a coconut tree is more dangerous than a shark. The most recognizable and by far the most dangerous shark is named as Great White shark. Jaymi Heimbuch. The Grey Reef Shark is a species of requiem shark and belongs to the family of Carcharhinidae. Globally, the number of shark bites is on the rise, with a threefold increase since 1982.White sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks are most commonly … Caribbean Reef Shark Characteristics. They pose minimal threat to us humans and being bitten by a shark is one of the last things you should worry about when playing in the ocean in Maui. This species is most often seen in shallow water near the drop-offs of coral reefs. Although Caribbean reef sharks are large and do have the potential to injure people, they’re generally not considered dangerous.