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Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
Open ocean, typically in surface waters above 150 meters.
Long rounded pectoral and dorsal fins with prominent white tips. Stocky body, short rounded snout.
Identification
Oceanic whitetips are unmistakable for the mottled white tips of their dorsal and pectoral fins, which stand out clearly against the dark grey-brown body. The pectoral fins are distinctively long, rounded, and paddle-like — the Latin name longimanus translates as "long hands."
Distribution & Habitat
Historically one of the most abundant pelagic sharks in tropical seas worldwide, oceanic whitetips have declined by over 98% in some regions due to finning and longline bycatch. Today they are critically endangered. Reliable encounters are now restricted to a handful of sites, most notably the Red Sea (Elphinstone and the Brothers Islands in Egypt) from late summer to autumn.
Behavior
Oceanics are curious, persistent, and unafraid of divers — traits that made them historically dangerous to shipwreck survivors in open water. They cruise slowly, often escorted by pilot fish, and will investigate any object on the surface. At dive sites like Elphinstone they circle divers closely but rarely show aggressive body language.
Where to See Them
Red Sea liveaboards to the southern offshore reefs in September to November give the most reliable chance. Divers should stay in a group, maintain eye contact with the animal, and never turn their back on an approaching shark. Do not chase or reach toward them.
Tropical and warm-temperate oceans worldwide. Now most reliably seen in the Red Sea (Elphinstone, Brothers).
Slow-moving, curious, and bold. Once one of the most abundant pelagic sharks; now critically endangered due to bycatch.
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