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Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) click here.
Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
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page are copyright protected: © 2010 Kelvin Aitken.
All rights reserved. Students may use this information for
personal research only. Not for commercial use.
Of the whaler sharks the Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
is one of the most common species found on tropical coral
reefs. Despite only growing to 1.8 m long, it is one to be
respected due to its territorial and assertive behaviour.
Many studies have been undertaken which show that the Grey
Reef Shark will attack if cornered, provoked or threatened.
Its nature could be compared to that of a frisky dog with
a bone.
Diving with Grey Reef Sharks
Grey Reef Sharks are very popular on shark dives. When divers
enter the water, they often swim in rapidly, no doubt attracted
by the commotion caused by noisy divers. They then usually
swim away to patrol their reef. When accustomed to people
in the water they will put on a dazzling display which may
culminate in a feeding frenzy, all with minimum danger to
the spectators.
While other sharks may display aggressive body language, none
are more explicit than the Grey Reef Shark. Typical warning
displays are an arched back, dropped pectoral fins and an
exaggerated swaying swimming motion. If deliberately provoked
the shark may then attack with lightening speed to deliver
one or more bites before swimming away. While the bites are
serious they are rarely fatal. People most often attacked
are those spearfishing or careless divers that corner an animal
in a reef canyon.
Tests with underwater speakers have shown that Grey Reef Sharks
are attracted by low-frequency vibrations similar to those
put out by struggling fish.
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