Caribbean reef shark
EN

Caribbean reef shark

Carcharhinus perezii

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_reef_shark

Overview

The Caribbean reef shark is a species of requiem shark, belonging to the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil, and is the most commonly encountered reef shark in the Caribbean Sea. With a robust, streamlined body typical of the requiem sharks, this species is difficult to tell apart from other large members of its family such as the dusky shark and the silky shark.

Distinguishing characteristics include dusky-colored fins without prominent markings, a short free rear tip on the second dorsal fin, and tooth shape and number.

The Caribbean reef shark faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure throughout its range, both as target species and bycatch in commercial and artisanal fisheries. Habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts on coral reef ecosystems further threaten this species, which has extremely limited dispersal ability and slow reproductive rates that make recovery difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

Caribbean Reef Shark at North Dry Rocks Reef, Key Largo, Fl. The Caribbean reef shark occurs throughout the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina in the north to Brazil in the south, including Bermuda, the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. However, it is extremely rare north of the Florida Keys. It prefers shallow waters on or around coral reefs, and is commonly found...

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Carcharhinidae

Blue SharkVU

Blue Shark

Prionace glauca

Unknown

Threatened in Anguilla

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Pholidoscelis corvinus

Unknown
queen crabVU

queen crab

Carpilius corallinus

Unknown
West Indian topshellVU

West Indian topshell

Cittarium pica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Caribbean reef shark classified as Endangered?
Caribbean reef shark is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Caribbean reef shark faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure throughout its range, both as target species and bycatch in commercial and artisanal fisheries. Habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts on coral reef ecosystems further threaten this species, which has extremely limited dispersal ability and slow reproductive rates that make recovery difficult.
Where does Caribbean reef shark live?
Caribbean reef shark occurs in Anguilla, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, and British Virgin Islands (plus 22 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Caribbean reef shark?
The main threats to Caribbean reef shark are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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