Species FishBlacktip Shark

Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

CommonFish
Illustration of Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Safety note: A fast coastal predator. Give it space, especially during feeding.

Named for the black tips on its fins, this active shark is often seen leaping and spinning out of the water while feeding. Blacktips gather in large numbers along beaches during seasonal migrations.

Habitat
Warm coastal waters, bays, and beaches; large migrations off the Southeast.
Diet
Schooling fish, small sharks, and rays.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Blacktip Shark

The best time to see a Blacktip Shark is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 821 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Blacktip Shark sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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