The whitetip reef shark is found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is associated with the coral reef environment. In the Hawaiian Islands, they can be observed resting in caves or under ledges since they are the only shark in Hawaiian waters with the ability to stop swimming and rest for long periods at a time, making them more commonly observed by divers. These sharks are gray in coloration and have slightly flat heads with distinct white tips on the tops of the first and second dorsal and tail fins.
Whitetip reef sharks are active nocturnal predators with a diet that includes bony fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. With a gestation period of about 12 months, whitetip reef shark litter sizes will include anywhere from one to five pups. At birth, pups measure 1.7-1.9 feet in length and reach a maximum length of 5.6 feet as adults. On occasion, a whitetip might approach a diver out of curiosity — but they are not considered dangerous to humans.
Elasmobranch species, which include sharks, rays, and skates, have the ability to detect electromagnetic signals coming from the muscle movements of other organisms. A concentration of pores near the nostrils, around the head, and on the underside of the snout are called ampullae of Lorenzini and detect electrical signals given off by living organisms. When light is scarce in murky water or at depths and vision is impaired, this sixth sense is useful in locating prey. In some species, electroreception is also used as a compass during migration.
In Hawai‘i, sharks were worshipped, cared for, and protected as an ‘aumakua, or family deity while others viewed sharks as an important source of food and tools. Those who had the shark as their ‘aumakua wouldn’t hunt or eat sharks. They believed their departed ancestors took the form of a shark and would feed and protect the shark, and in return, the shark would protect the family. Shark stories are widespread in Hawaiian literature and make for a fascinating read. As a cultural consultant to the Maui Ocean Center, Kahu Dane Maxwell blesses each shark entering or leaving the park.
*Due to the constant rotation of animals back to the ocean, we cannot guarantee the presence of any specific animal.
Did you know?
Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators in keeping marine ecosystems balanced by removing sick, injured, and diseased animals. Therefore, they are vital to maintaining a clean and healthy ocean.
Hawaiian Name: Manō Lālākea
Scientific Name: Triaenodon obesus
Where to See: Open Ocean exhibit*
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Discover More Maui Ocean Center marine life
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is one of the most common reef fish observed at all depths. They are yellowish to dark brown in coloration and display numerous white to light-blue spots covering its body. They feed on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus material on the reef. Their species' name means “boaster” or “braggart,” and they are usually observed in pairs.
Sandbar Shark
Found in all oceans of the world, sandbar sharks are most common in deep coastal waters. This species has been documented in intertidal areas down to about 900 feet in depth. The sandbar shark is light gray or tan in coloration with white on its ventral side. Lacking distinct markings, its tall dorsal fin is a distinguishing characteristic. The maximum length recorded for a sandbar in Hawai‘i is 6.4 feet, while the average is 5 feet.
Conger and Garden Eels
Conger eels have a nearly cylindrical body (which becomes compressed posteriorly), very well-developed pectoral fins, and a fairly large gill opening on the lower half of the body. They do not have scales, and their lips have a free margin on the side. Congers are often known as White Eels in the Hawaiian Islands and were once a common food source. Congers usually have large eyes and are known to be nocturnal feeders. Having distinctly small teeth, they usually prey on crustaceans and fishes.
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