Whitefin Topeshark

About the Whitefin Topeshark

Whitefin Topesharks are found in the tropical waters of the Philippines inhabiting coastal areas at depths of 48 m. There are only two known free-living specimens, thus there is little known about whitefin topesharks. 

Biology and Behaviour:

Whitefin topesharks have a moderately long parabolic snout with a broadly arched mouth and eyes that are moderately elongated.

Its first dorsal fin is larger than the second but shorter than the caudal fin, and the anal fin much smaller than the first dorsal fin. All of its fins have white edges and are strongly curved. Adolescent Whitefin has dark areas on their caudal fin. 

Reproduction and Lifespan

Whitefin topesharks are ovoviviparous. There are 12 pups in a litter and the size at birth for pups range between 20 to 22 cm. Whitefin tope sharks can grow to a length of 96 cm.

Conservation and Tourism

Whitefin topesharks are possibly taken as bycatch from the local fisheries in the Philippines.

There have been no confirmed records of Whitefin Topesharks for over 50 years, and because of intense inshore fishing where Whitefin Topesharks occur in, reduction of its population is a possibility. These sharks may also suffer from habitat loss and deterioration because of fishing and pollution in the area.

All these factors considered, the IUCN lists Whitefin Topesharks as endangered.

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