The Caribbean Reef Shark inhabits shallow tropical waters from southern Florida and the Bahamas through the Caribbean Sea to Brazil. It is most commonly seen around coral reefs, drop-offs, and outer reef slopes, typically in depths of 1–35 m, though it may venture deeper.

Average Size:
Adults generally reach around 2 m in length, with the largest individuals measuring close to 3 m. Newborn pups are about 60–75 cm long.

Family:
Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks)

Species:
Carcharhinus perezi

Jaw and Teeth Structure:
The upper jaw contains teeth with broad bases and narrow, serrated cusps, while the lower teeth are narrower, more upright, and also finely serrated. There are usually about 12–13 tooth rows on each side of the upper jaw and 11–12 on the lower. These teeth are designed for gripping and cutting, allowing the shark to feed efficiently on soft-bodied prey without crushing hard materials.

Feeding and Behaviour:
Caribbean Reef Sharks feed mainly on bony fish and rays living around coral reefs. They use their acute senses of smell, sight, and electroreception to detect prey, striking swiftly with a rapid bite before retreating to swallow their catch. Their streamlined bodies and powerful jaws make them superb reef hunters.

Reproduction:
They are viviparous—females give birth to live young that develop inside the body. Litters typically consist of four to six pups, born fully formed and ready to fend for themselves among the reefs.

Conservation Status:
The Caribbean Reef Shark is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to fishing pressure, bycatch, and the decline of coral reef habitats. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems by keeping prey populations in balance, making its conservation vital to ocean biodiversity.