Facts about Caribbean Reef Shark

1. 07

   Social hierarchies within Caribbean reef shark groups are established through ritualized displays and jaw-gaping threats before any physical contact occurs.

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2. 06

   In coastal waters from Florida to Brazil, Caribbean reef sharks typically occupy depths between 80 and 800 feet, making them one of the most abundant shark species on Atlantic coral reefs.

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3. 05

   Electroreceptive organs called ampullae of Lorenzini allow Caribbean reef sharks to detect electrical fields as weak as five millionths of a volt generated by muscle contractions in prey.

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4. 04

   The Caribbean reef shark's teeth are replaced continuously throughout its lifetime, with new rows moving forward to replace worn or lost teeth within days.

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5. 03

   Gray coloration on the Caribbean reef shark's dorsal surface provides camouflage against reef shadows, while the white underside uses countershading to reduce visibility to prey below.

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6. 02

   Viviparous reproduction in the Caribbean reef shark produces litters of four to six pups after a gestation period of approximately eight months.

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7. 01

   Reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour, the Caribbean reef shark is an agile predator that hunts fish and crustaceans on shallow coral reefs.

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