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Population structure, spatial distribution and life‐history traits of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus
Author(s) -
Mourier J.,
Mills S. C.,
Planes S.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.12039
Subject(s) - biology , carcharhinus , reef , population , fishery , sexual maturity , sex ratio , ecology , demography , sociology
During a survey of the population of blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus in Moorea (French Polynesia) between 2007 and 2011, population structural characteristics were estimated from 268 individuals. Total length ( L T ) ranged from 48 to 139 cm and 48 to 157 cm for males and females, respectively, demonstrating that the average L T of females was larger than that of males. The C. melanopterus population at Moorea showed an apparent spatial sexual segregation with females preferentially frequenting lagoons and males the fore‐reefs. Mean growth rate was c . 6 cm year −1 . Males reached sexual maturity at 111 cm L T . This study reports on the population characteristics of this widespread carcharhinid shark species and makes comparisons with other locations, confirming high geographic variability in the population structure of the species.