Shark

Caribbean reef shark

Carcharhinus perezii

Coral reef edges, drop-offs and adjacent slopes in the western Atlantic and Caribbean

Species photograph unavailable

Habitat: Coral reef edges, drop-offs and adjacent slopes in the western Atlantic and Caribbean
Habitat zone: Shallow reef edges and deeper reef slopes
Viewing activities: Snorkeling · Scuba diving

Appearance

A robust gray to gray-brown reef shark with a pale underside, a short rounded snout, a ridge between the dorsal fins and long pectoral fins. It lacks conspicuous black fin tips. Similar gray sharks require comparison of the whole body and range.

Ecology

A reef-associated predator of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, feeding mainly on bony fishes around coral reefs and adjacent slopes. Reef edges and drop-offs provide places to encounter moving prey. A shark passing through a dive site is using a wider habitat than the spot where it is seen.

Behavior

Often patrols reef edges and slopes, and individuals may also rest motionless on the bottom. Females give birth to live young. During an encounter, allow the shark to pass on its own course and observe natural movement without offering food or trying to direct it.

Conservation

Globally Endangered in the IUCN assessment made in 2019 and published in 2021, reflecting fishing pressures and declines. Local encounters do not establish the condition of the wider population.

Identification and naming

References may spell this species Carcharhinus perezi or Carcharhinus perezii. These names refer to the same Caribbean reef shark.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

RECORDED PRESENCE

Where has Caribbean reef shark been recorded?

These destination links use the same area and date cutoff as the map: 40 km circles, except for the four named regional rectangles. Checked 2026-11-02. Counts describe source records, not individual animals or sighting odds.

Sources, search boundaries and limitations