Description:

Large, slim shark with dark grey back and white stomach. Conspicuous white tips and trailing edges to all fins except the second dorsal fin. 
Defined interdorsal ridge. First dorsal fin exhibits narrowly rounded apex, originates over or slightly in front of free tips of pectoral fins. Faint white band on side. Long, broadly rounded snout. 
Large round eyes (sometimes pale blue in colour). Labial furrows short and inconspicuous. Upper teeth are triangular. Gill slits short.

Size:

Maturity: Male 160-180cm TL, Female 160-200 cm TL, Max Length: 300cm TL. Born: 75-85cm TL. 

Habitat and Ecology:

Continental and insular shelves, often reef associated, and adjacent waters. From surface to depths of 600-800m. Young occur among reefs in shallower  water, closer to the shore, moving into deeper water as they grow. Feeds on teleosts, rays and octopi. Viviparous 1-11 pups (usually 5-6) per litter after approx. 12 months gestation.

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the hand line and longline fisheries. Generally only juveniles and sub-adults are caught in the 
artisanal fishery as adults pup in shallower waters and then return to the waters of the drop off or “bordaz”. 

Notes:

Adults typically occur off the edge of the plateau whilst juveniles can be found closer inshore. Young and sub-adults can be seen quite regularly at the Victoria market.

References:

Ebert, D.A. et al (2013). Sharks of the World – A fully illustrated guide. Wild Nature press ISBN 978-0-9573946-0-5
Espinoza, M. et al (2016). Carcharhinus albimarginatus. The IUCN Red List 2016: e.T161526A68611084. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T161526A68611084.en. (06/08/21).
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Eds. (2018). FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/carcharhinus-albimarginatus (27/08/18).
Florida Museum (2018). Carcharhinus albimarginatus. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/fish/discover/species-profiles/carcharhinus-albimarginatus/ (27/08/18).
Nevill, J.E.G. et al (2015). An identification guide for the sharks of the Seychelles Artisanal Fishery.

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Carcharhinus albimarginatus, Silvertip shark shark. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/carcharhinus-albimarginatus-ruppell-1837/  (Updated 06/08/21, Edited 20/09/21).