Creature Profile
The Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi) is a species of shark that inhabits the warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. They are characterized by their gray-brown coloration, with a white underbelly and a streamlined body shape that is well adapted for fast swimming. They have long, pointed snouts and large, sharp teeth that are used to catch a variety of prey including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Caribbean Reef Sharks are commonly found near coral reefs and other underwater structures, typically at depths ranging from 30 to 100 feet. They are known to be social animals and often travel in small groups or schools. Caribbean Reef Sharks reproduce via internal fertilization, and females give birth to live young after a gestation period of around 10 months. Litters can range from 2 to 6 pups, and the young are born fully developed and ready to swim.
The Caribbean Reef Shark is considered to be a near-threatened species due to overfishing, habitat loss, and other factors. They are often targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries, and their populations have declined in some areas. In response to this, several conservation efforts have been implemented to help protect and restore populations. These include measures such as fishing quotas, marine protected areas, and education programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems. Additionally, scientific research is ongoing to better understand the biology and ecology of this species to inform future conservation efforts.
Wikipedia Article
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Wikipedia Article Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Caribbean reef shark". |
March 10, 2023
Glenn, C. R. 2006. "Earth's Endangered Creatures - Caribbean Reef Shark Facts" (Online). Accessed 4/18/2024 at http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=11358&ID=2.
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