| Biology |
Inhabits shallow
water close inshore on coral reefs and in the intertidal
zone (reef flats), near reef drop-offs and close offshore.
Also found in mangrove areas, moving in and out with the
tide and even in fresh water, but not in tropical lakes and
rivers far from the sea. Occurs singly or in small groups.
Prefers fishes but also feeds on crustaceans, cephalopods
and other mollusks. Viviparous. May become aggressive to
spear fishers and has been reported to bite people wading in
shallow water. Reported to cause poisoning. 2 to 4 young of
46 to 52 cm are born per litter. Generally marketed fresh
(as fillet), may be dried, salted, smoked or frozen. Fins
are valued for shark-fin soup; liver as source of oil. This
species is commonly seen in public aquaria. |
