Page 251 - French Polynesia

Sharks, Rays, Dolphins and Whales

B lacktip Reef Shark - Size: maximum 6.5 the great hammerhead, tiger sharks from
feet. This is probably the most common 6-18 feet in length are regularly encoun-

shark in French Polynesia. It is distinguished tered. The giant of the tropical shark world,

easily by the black tips on the edge of each this awesome predator will sometimes

fin. This shark is quite fearful and consid- cruise past in bulky silhouette, approaching

ered quite harmless. Although this does not the baits with fearless purpose, an exhilarat-

keep them from coming close to divers just ing experience. These spectacular animals

to satisfy their curiosity. Feeding patterns are among the most impressive yet rarely

are nocturnal, mostly on sleeping fish they observed of oceanic predators. For many

likely have trouble catching in the day. years, the great hammerhead has eluded

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

in many locations around the world. En- edged caudal fin. This shark has a lively and

countering the great hammerhead, with its bold behavioral pattern notably observed

spectacular angularity, its Orca-like dorsal in the presence of stimuli. The Grey shark

fin, and its bristle-toothed mouth, is at the is described to have the vivacity of the

very pinnacle of wildlife adventure. In addi- Black tip and the strength of the Lemon

tion to great hammerheads, the boats also shark. For this reason it is both feared and

in search of the tiger shark. Although the respected.

tiger shark tends to be more cautious than