Dive sites2
Marine life profile
Gray reef shark
Recorded at 2 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Gray reef shark around the world
The grey reef shark or gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, sometimes misspelled amblyrhynchus or amblyrhinchos) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae. Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Countries2
Animal groupSharks
Safety profilePotentially Dangerous
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Look for a streamlined shark profile, visible gill slits and the fin shape or markings that distinguish this species.
How It Behaves
Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Special Ability
Highly tuned senses help it read vibration, scent and tiny electrical signals hidden in the water.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Stay calm, keep the animal in view and let it choose the distance. Never chase, surround or block its route.
Safety
Treat every shark as a powerful wild animal. Keep hands close, avoid baited activity and follow the local guide's instructions.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
One of the most common reef sharks in the Indo-Pacific, it is found as far east as Easter Island and as far west as South Africa.
Where to Find
Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.
Known countries
AustraliaIndonesia
Sightings map
Gray reef shark locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
The Cod Hole
Australia
When visiting the Ribbon Reefs, a visit to the Cod Hole is an absolute must! You start by making an easy decent down to the sandy bottom around 8 meters, and then begin cruising towards the channel that separates Ribbon 10 from Cormorant reef. It usually doesn't;t take long before we are joined by an enormous resident Potato Cod. reaching up to 6 feet in length, and behaving like a labrador, these gentle giants are a sight to behold. After some selfie time with the Cod, we can continue exploring, the blue waters. Reef sharks are also often seen, along with schooling sweetlips and snapper. On the rare occasion that the current isn't too strong, we can venture out to the deeper area, where legend has it, pygymy seahorses can be found...
Midnight Snapper Run
Indonesia
7 minutes from Nabucco Islands in south-southeast direction is this beautiful dive site. A steep slope with a sandy plateau at 23-28 meters adjacent steep wall. Dive with the left shoulder to the wall.