Sharks of the Reef

The Blacktip Reef shark is habitually identified by its prominent black tips on its fins. This species can grow up to 120 centimetres in length and feeds on crustaceans and other small fish. They are typically found lying within shallow, inshore waters over reef ledges and sandy flats of tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. However, they sometimes appear within brackish and freshwater environments too.

Wobbegong sharks are species of carpet sharks found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Region. The origins of the name ‘Wobbegong’ is derived from the Australian Aboriginal language meaning ‘shaggy beard’, a reference to the whisker-like growths around its mouth. Unlike other sharks, the Wobbegong’s skin is patterned, giving the appearance of light and dark blotches which assist its ability to camouflage on the ocean floor. Most species of Wobbegong grow up to 1.5 metres in length.

Despite its fearsome appearance and rows of sharp teeth, the Grey Nurse shark offers no threat to humans and is, in fact, a superbly adapted fish-eater, usually swallowing its prey whole. During the 1960s and 1970s, the population of the Grey Nurse shark declined sharply and in 1984, they became the first shark species in the world to be awarded protected status. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium supports conservation measures to protect the species, such as through the establishment of marine parks where fishing is prohibited.

The Whitetip Reef shark is widely found across the Indo-Pacific region nestling near caves as well as the coral heads and ledges of coral reefs. Whitetips are more slender in body shape than other sharks, have oval-shaped eyes, characteristic white tipped fins and can grow up to 1.6 metres in length. Its diet consists of eels, octopus and crustaceans.

Port Jackson Sharks are a local species of shark that live in rocky environments around the coast of Australia! This species is has harness-like markings across their eyes and back which make them easy to identify. Port Jackson Sharks can grow up to 95 cm.