Oceanic Whitetip Sharks-in Danger or Dangerous?
Published by Oceanic whitetip sharks are solitary predators. Their scientific name is Carcharhinus longimanus. They have color markings on all their fins which make it easy to identify individual oceanic whitetip sharks.
Oceanic whitetip sharks are the sharks found most often on the scene after an airplane or boat crash. Oceanic whitetips are one shark species known to go wild, biting anything that moves in situations where there is an abundant supply of food.
Oceanic whitetips eat a wide variety of food, such as marlin, barracuda and other bony fish. Birds, turtles and mammalian carrion may also form a part of the diet of this species of sharks.
Distinctive Markings on the Oceanic Whitetip Shark- Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Oceanic whitetip sharks are found in tropical and subtropical waters. The oceanic whitetips prefer water with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
Shark attacks over the past decade in Egypt are believed to be the work of a few different shark species. One of these is the oceanic whitetip shark. A beach resort in Egypt has experienced at least three shark attacks in recent times. Some suspect that the attacks-which occurred at a diving resort that is popular across the world-, may be the work of just one shark. Six swimmers at the resort were attacked in the Red Sea over just five days. The shark attacks in the Red Sea are being investigated by local and overseas scientists and government authorities.
Distribution Map for Carcharhinus longimanus-Image via Wikipedia
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks-Well Known Predators
Oceanic whitetip sharks are considered to be fairly aggressive sharks. Jacques Cousteau described the oceanic whitetip sharks as the most dangerous of all sharks. They are responsible for more attacks on humans than other shark species. The oceanic whitetips are opportunistic predators. They will make use of food resources that they see.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark Accompanied by Pilot Fish in the Red Sea-Image via Wikipedia
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks Eaten as Delicacies
Oceanic whitetip shark fin are considered a delicacy and are used as the main ingredient in shark fin soup-a fact that has shark conservationists worried. Oceanic whitetip numbers have been declining in recent years, and sharks being hunted to provide for this delicacy has been blamed as one cause of this decline.
Shark fin soup-Photo Credit Sormuijai via Flickr
Shark fin soup has been popular since the Ming Dynasty and is usually served at weddings and other special occasions. Shark fin soup is considered a luxury item, like caviar.
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Liked it
On December 10, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Good job. I liked the picture. I always wanted to see water that was blue like that.
On December 10, 2010 at 8:42 pm
informative share..thanks for sharing a well written article..:)
On December 10, 2010 at 8:49 pm
very well-written. Thanks for sharing.
On December 10, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Pattiann, in Jamaica the water is blue and clear.
On December 10, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Thank you NzFox.
On December 10, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Thanks Yovita.
On December 10, 2010 at 10:49 pm
The 2nd and 4th photos look extraordinary peaceful. It’s better for humans to keep away from this shark.
On December 10, 2010 at 10:53 pm
I haven’t seen a shark with rounded fins.Are clown fish the entourage or groupie?lol. A very educational read Sharifa. Sharks are meant to be sharks.:)
On December 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm
This was an interesting read.
On December 11, 2010 at 12:09 am
Such lovely ocean creatures. Nicely written.
On December 11, 2010 at 2:28 am
Hi Linda. Sometimes we do things that are unnecessary. Even in the recent spate of attacks in Egypt it seems some people were exposed to unnecessary danger.
On December 11, 2010 at 2:31 am
On December 11, 2010 at 4:53 am
Thanks Wonder.
On December 11, 2010 at 4:54 am
Thanks Athena.
On December 11, 2010 at 6:41 am
Excellent Share
On December 11, 2010 at 8:07 am
Nice
On December 11, 2010 at 8:29 pm
very beautfiul writeup and pics, love it.
By the way, why the pilot fishes keep following that shark? So cute.
On December 11, 2010 at 9:36 pm
great share
On December 11, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Thanks Awesome.
Thanks Anj.
On December 11, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Star, the pilot fish are working smart. They follow the sharks so they can feed on scraps of leftover food.
They also eat parasites that would bother the sharks and in return, the sharks offer them protection.
On December 11, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thanks Albert.
On December 12, 2010 at 12:16 am
haha, thanks for explaining about the pilot fish. They are really smart, know what is win-win situation. I think they adopt the Buddy-System.
On December 12, 2010 at 4:24 pm
wow thanks for the info and crazy pics
On December 12, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Star, they definitely know what works.
I’m glad you liked the information Joni.
On December 16, 2010 at 2:29 pm
very nice information..!
On December 16, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I hope it will survive man’s on slot, it is a beautiful place this earth cheers
On December 16, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Well researched.
On December 17, 2010 at 12:40 am
Another interesting post that is well-researched and well presented.
On December 17, 2010 at 1:57 am
Very informative and interesting post, thank you for sharing.
On December 18, 2010 at 6:31 am
Another truly informative post. Thank you my friend.
On December 19, 2010 at 1:08 am
All animals are in danger because of humans. Thanks for this eye-opener Sharifa
On December 20, 2010 at 4:34 am
A nice piece here Sharifa! Sharks and other marine creatures are my areas of interests! But if we continue to place their fins on the table as soup, we shall soon endanger these wonderful creatures!
On December 21, 2010 at 5:14 am
Thanks Boxervaibhav.
Matt, I hope man will be smart enough to stay away from them.
Thanks Jimmy.
On December 21, 2010 at 5:20 am
Thanks Boxervaibhav.
Matt, I hope man will be smart enough to stay away from them.
Thanks Jimmy.;-)
On December 21, 2010 at 6:12 am
Thank you Papaleng.
Thank you Adrn.
Thank you Francois.