Shark Species of the Red Sea

There are about 30 shark species roaming the Red Sea, ranging from the gigantic whale shark (Rhincodon typus) with a maximum length of more than 12m to the comparatively miniature bigeye houndshark (Iago omanensis) with its maximum length of about 60 cm. Many of these species exist entirely hidden from human eyes, either because of their preference for open ocean or deep-water habitats, or their reluctance to approach humans and their activities. With a depth range of 150 – >1500 metres it is, for example, virtually impossible for recreational divers to encounter the smallest of the Red Sea shark species, the above mentioned bigeye houndshark. Among the sharks one can hope to meet underwater are those that visit the shallower portions of reef walls and coral gardens throughout at least part of their life.

Commonly encountered Red Sea shark species: grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), silky shark (C. falciformis), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus), oceanic whitetip shark (C. longimanus), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) [from left to right; © Elke Bojanowski].

The following table lists the shark species that visitors of the Egyptian Red Sea have a chance of encountering. Beside common and scientific names, it gives their maximum length as well as their preferred habitat. Species that are extremely rare, little known or whose regular presence in the area is questionable are summarised below.

species name	max length	habitat
Grey Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos	~ 2.5 m	Patrols reef walls, slopes & passages, often in current-rich areas; most common of the reef sharks, especially around Brothers, Daedalus, and parts of St. Johns.
Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini	~ 4 m	Next to islands and walls over deep water, may be found schooling in the summer months around Daedalus & Jackson Reef, Tiran.
Pelagic Thresher Alopias pelagicus	> 3.5 m	Open-ocean shark, usually offshore, sometimes near coral reef drop-offs, like Brothers & Daedalus.
Silky Shark Carcharhinus falciformis	~ 3.3 m	Open-ocean shark, prefers water > 200 m depth; seen near offshore reefs & drop-offs such as Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone & parts of St. Johns; record sightings in 2010, after having virtually disappeared since summer 2006.
Oceanic Whitetip Shark Carcharhinus longimanus	~ 3 m	Open-ocean shark, usually found far offshore above deep water, seasonally common near drop-offs such as Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone.
Whitetip Reef Shark Triaenodon obesus	~ 2 m	Usually on or near bottom in crevices or caves in coral reefs and in lagoons. Widespread.
Whale Shark Rhincodon typus	> 12 m	Open ocean to close inshore off beaches, coral reefs & islands, seasonally common e.g. near Sharm El Sheikh.
Silvertip Shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus	~ 3 m	Associated with offshore islands, coral reefs and offshore banks, not oceanic; occasionally sighted e.g. in parts of St.Johns or at Elphinstone.
Tiger Shark Galeocerdo cuvier	> 5.5 m	Found from the surface to 140 m depth, often close to coral reefs or in lagoons; seasonally seen off Sharm El Sheikh. Record sightings in 2009, e.g. at Elphinstone.
Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus limbatus	~ 2.5 m	Usually close inshore, at coral reef drop-offs, in island lagoons; seasonally common at Ras Mohamed.
Zebra Shark Stegostoma fasciatum	< 2.5. m	On sandy bottom near coral reefs, in lagoons & channels (to >60 m depth); locally common, e.g. north of Hurghada & Gulf of Suez.
Blacktip Reef Shark Carcharhinus melanopterus	< 2 m	Typically in very shallow water on coral reefs & reef flats (esp. juveniles), adults sometimes near reef drop-offs. Locally common.
Great Hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran	~ 6 m	From close inshore to well offshore, 1 – 80+ m depth. Rare.
Shortfin Mako Isurus oxyrinchus	> 4 m	Coastal & oceanic, 0-500 m depth. Rare near dive sites.

Other shark species from the Red Sea and adjacent waters:

Tawny Nurse Shark (Nebrius ferrugineus), Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), Sicklefin Lemon Shark (Negaprion acutidens), Spottail Shark (Carcharhinus sorrah), Spinner Shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna), Whitecheek Shark (Carcharhinus dussumieri), Sliteye Shark (Loxodon macrorhinus), Sand tiger or Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus), Bignose Shark (Carcharhinus altimus), Milk Shark (Rhizoprionodon acutus) Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas), Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Bigeye Thresher (Alopias superciliosus), Bigeye Houndshark (Iago omanensis), Arabian Smoothhound (Mustelus mosis), Snaggletooth Shark (Hemipristis elongatus), Sicklefin Weasel Shark (Hemigaleus microstoma).