Whitetip reef shark

Photo: David R · CC BY-NC

Whitetip reef sharks are found resting communally in the South Atoll's sandy lagoon and along ledges of the inner wall, often piled together in groups of 4 to 10. Their daytime lethargy contrasts with explosive nocturnal hunting as they pursue fish through crevices using their flexible bodies. The South Atoll population is one of the densest documented anywhere in the Philippines, a direct measure of effective marine protection. Vulnerable; heavily impacted by longlining and reef fisheries outside protected areas.