Caribbean reef shark

Photo: Rafi Amar · CC BY-NC

The dominant large shark on Caribbean coral reefs, characterised by a stocky build and rounded snout. Caribbean reef sharks patrol reef edges and drop-offs, often in loose groups. At Punta Izopo, a resident population of 8–12 individuals has been photo-ID catalogued by researchers — these are the same animals seen on repeated dives, recognisable by fin notches. Near threatened; heavily fished across their range. Their consistent presence here, at a site with no shark feeding or baiting, is itself scientifically interesting: a wild, unfed population maintaining territory at natural density.