Whitetip Reef Shark Jaw ex Dr. Gordon Hubbell

NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

This jaw is from the collection of Dr. Gordon Hubbell. He first taught me how to prepare jaws in the early 1990's. I've been fortunate enough to acquire some of his collection that is not going to the University of Florida. Most of these jaws and teeth on this site have been either on display or stored away for decades in Gordon's collection.

The Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, easily identified by its slender body and short but broad head. It is a relatively small shark, usually not exceeding 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) in length.

Here are some of its key features:

1. Coloration: This shark has a distinctive color pattern. The body is generally gray with a white tip on the first dorsal fin and the upper lobe of the caudal fin, which is where it gets its common name.

2. Head and Snout: The head is somewhat flattened with a broadly rounded snout. The eyes and spiracles (small openings behind the eyes) are large compared to other sharks.

3. Teeth: It has a unique dentition, with oblique-cusped teeth that enable it to grasp slippery fish and cephalopods.

4. Fins: Besides the white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins, its pectoral fins are also large and paddle-like, aiding in maneuverability around the coral reefs.

5. Habitat: True to its name, the Whitetip Reef Shark is commonly found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific ocean. It prefers shallow waters and is often seen resting in caves or under ledges during the day.

6. Behavior: Known for its nocturnal habits, this shark is more active at night when it hunts for food. It is not particularly aggressive towards humans but can become curious in the presence of divers.

7. Diet: Its diet mainly consists of bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.

8. Reproduction: The Whitetip Reef Shark is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. The gestation period lasts about a year, and the litter size can vary.