whitetip shark
Noun: 1. A large, pelagic (open-ocean) shark species (Carcharhinus longimanus) characterized by distinctive white markings on the tips of its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins. It has a worldwide distribution in tropical and warm-temperate seas and is considered one of the more dangerous shark species to humans. 2. A smaller, bottom-dwelling reef shark species (Triaenodon obesus) found in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea, characterized by white tips on its dorsal fin and tail.
- Noun (Oceanic whitetip shark):
- The whitetip shark is known for its bold and persistent behavior around potential food sources.
- Researchers are studying the declining population of the oceanic whitetip shark.
- Noun (Whitetip reef shark):
- Divers often see the harmless whitetip shark resting on the sandy seafloor during the day.
- The reef's whitetip shark is easily identified by the white tip on its first dorsal fin.
- The term "whitetip shark" is ambiguous without context, as it commonly refers to two very different species. In scientific and precise contexts, the full names "oceanic whitetip shark" and "whitetip reef shark" are used to avoid confusion.
- The oceanic whitetip is historically infamous for being involved in shipwreck and air disaster incidents in the open ocean.
- Oceanic whitetip shark (n): The full common name for .
- Whitetip reef shark (n): The full common name for .
- Reef shark (n): A general term for sharks inhabiting coral reefs, which includes the whitetip reef shark.
- For the oceanic species: Oceanic whitetip, white-tipped shark.
- For the reef species: Reef whitetip, blunthead shark (less common).
This entry highlights a case where a single common name refers to two distinct species: 1. The oceanic whitetip shark is a large, open-ocean predator known for its potential danger to humans. 2. The whitetip reef shark is a smaller, nocturnal reef dweller generally considered non-threatening to humans unless provoked.
- large deep-water shark with white-tipped dorsal fin; worldwide distribution; most dangerous shark
- smooth dogfish of Pacific and Indian Oceans and Red Sea having white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins