Critter of the Month

Whitetip Reef Shark

courtesy ScubaDrew VideoWorks

The Whitetip Reef Shark, a stealthy hunter, is the most common shark seen in the MLCD.

As one of only a few species of shark that can stop swimming and still survive, the whitetip reef shark hunts small fish and other prey at night, but is often found sleeping under rock ledges during the day.

The abundance of food and places to hide make the MLCD a perfect habitat for this vital apex member of the ecosystem.

Mano is the Hawaiian word for shark, and Hawaiians believe that "certian individual sharks physically embody the spirits of certain family ancestors." Another reason to treat our shark friends in the MLCD with care and respect!

Reference - Hawaii Fishes by John Hoover