By: Joel Calhoun

• Common to all reefs, especially the tropical Pacific

• Often confused with other sharks, due to the general gray and white appearance

• Distinguishable by the black band along it’s tail

• They are accustomed to divers, but are highly territorial and have been known to bite if they encounter trespassers

• The biggest threat to the animals are fishermen, due to their trolling nets

• Harmless and easily approachable

• Inactive during daytime• Bottom dwellers that

tend to huddle in small groups

• They are easily distinguishable because of their stubby nose and cat-like eyes

• They do most of their hunting at night time when are more active

• Though they are calm and easy going animals, they have been reported to attack spear fishermen because of the vibrations and wounded fish

• Simple identification because of tail and spots

• The tail is half of its body length (4ft)

• Bottom dwellers

• Very rarely encountered

• Nocturnal, which means they can see in the dark

• Bottom dweller

• Solitary animals that are difficult to find