Page 239 - The Virgin Islands

Sharks, Rays, Dolphins and Whales

B lacktip Reef Shark - Size: maximum 6.5 ger shark tends to be more cautious than the
feet. This is probably the most common great hammerhead, tiger sharks from 6-18
shark in French Polynesia. It is distinguished feet in length are regularly encountered. The

easily by the black tips on the edge of each giant of the tropical shark world, this awe-

fin. This shark is quite fearful and consid- some predator will sometimes cruise past

ered quite harmless. Although this does not in bulky silhouette, approaching the baits

keep them from coming close to divers just with fearless purpose, an exhilarating expe-

to satisfy their curiosity. Feeding patterns rience. These spectacular animals are among

are nocturnal, mostly on sleeping fish they the most impressive yet rarely observed of

likely have trouble catching in the day. oceanic predators. For many years, the great

hammerhead has eluded underwater pho-
G reat Hammerhead - The great hammer- tographers.
head should not to be confused with
Gthe smaller and more common scalloped rey Reef Shark. Adult size: maximum
8.to 20 feet. It is distinguished by its
hammerhead, which can be seen schooling
in many locations around the world. En- perfectly grey skin, white belly and its black

countering the great hammerhead, with its edged caudal fin. This shark has a lively and

spectacular angularity, its Orca-like dorsal bold behavioral pattern notably observed in

fin, and its bristle-toothed mouth, is at the the presence of stimuli. The Grey shark is

very pinnacle of wildlife adventure. In addi- described to have the vivacity of the Black

tion to great hammerheads, the boats also tip and the strength of the Lemon shark. For

in search of the tiger shark. Although the ti- this reason it is both feared and respected.