Caribbean reef shark

Photo: spirula · CC BY-NC

Caribbean reef sharks are the defining pelagic predator of the North Wall, patrolling the blue water at the wall's edge and occasionally ascending to investigate divers. They play a critical trophic role, regulating populations of mid-level reef fish and maintaining the ecological balance of the Cayman wall ecosystem. Their hunched-back threat posture and lateral head-shake are well documented warning signs, though unprovoked encounters are extremely rare.