Meet our August Fish of the Month, the Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, one of the most iconic reef predators of the Indo-Pacific and an unforgettable sight for any diver lucky enough to share the water with one. Sleek, curious, and perfectly built for life along the reef edge, it is a true ambassador for healthy ocean ecosystems.
Survey Regions: Grey Reef Sharks are found across the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP), South Pacific (SOP), and Indian Ocean / Red Sea (IORS) survey regions. REEF volunteers most often log them along outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and current-swept channels, where these sharks patrol in search of prey.
Size: Typically 1.2–1.9 m / 4–6 ft. Streamlined and muscular, they are built for quick bursts of speed along the reef.
Identifying Features: Look for a classic grey body fading to a paler underside, and the telltale broad black margin along the trailing edge of the tail fin. Unlike the Blacktip or Whitetip, the Grey Reef Shark's first dorsal fin is plain or only faintly tipped, while that dark rear tail band is the giveaway once you know what to look for.
Fun Facts: Grey Reef Sharks are highly social, often gathering in groups by day and dispersing to hunt at night. They are also famous for a dramatic "warning display" by arching the back, dropping the pectoral fins, and swimming in an exaggerated pattern. A clear signal to give them a little space. As apex reef predators, their presence is one of the best signs that a reef system is thriving.
See the Grey Reef Shark in the wild. Want to meet this reef icon in person? Join us on our Palau Field Survey Trip, January 17–27, 2027, an unforgettable 10-night adventure aboard the Palau Aggressor II. Following the Best of Palau itinerary and timed with the full moon, divers will witness the spectacular spawning of Red Snapper, Moorish Idols, and Orangespined Unicornfish while drift diving some of the most current-swept, shark-rich reefs on the planet. Spaces are available! Reach out to us today by emailing trips@REEF.org.