Oceanic Whitetip Shark

I became a shark photographer because of my deep love for the ocean and its wildlife. Learning to coexist with sharks felt like a natural progression in my career. However, I didn't realize that becoming a shark photographer would require years of dedication and hard work. Eventually, this career opened up a world of knowledge I never knew existed. Did you know that each species of shark behaves differently? Even within a single species, you can find shy sharks, bold sharks, and even funny sharks!

Disclaimer: Yes, I anthropomorphize sharks (and all animals, honestly). I'm an artist working in this field, not a scientist. If you decide to follow along on my journey, expect a mix of facts and non-scientific language.

My Love for Sharks

As I fell in love with all sharks—except maybe the cookie-cutter shark (if you don't know, look it up; it's a creature from hell)—I became obsessed with the specific behaviors of different species. These are the stories I want to share with you. Sharks are often associated with fear or adrenaline, but that doesn't paint the right picture. They are not out to get humans. Instead, they eat the dead or dying creatures of the ocean. Most of us humans just aren't efficient enough in the water to avoid looking like prey, no matter how much we love the ocean.

The Oceanic Whitetip Shark

The first species I want to highlight is the Oceanic Whitetip Shark. I truly believe this species inspired pirates to add planks to their ships. The oceanic whitetip shark is a true pelagic predator. This means they spend most of their time far offshore in deep waters. Because of this, they can go long periods without meals and will seize any opportunity to eat, especially if their potential prey is struggling.

Physically, they are relatively small, measuring about 11 feet at most. This is small compared to sharks that usually have worse reputations, like tiger sharks and great whites. Oceanic whitetips have long, round fins with white tips. These white markings often have freckles, blending into their gray bodies. It’s common to see them accompanied by pilot fish, which keep them company on their blue journeys. I imagine it gets boring down there after a while.

Understanding Shark Behavior

Although I don't believe you can learn how to deal with wild predators online, I find the world of animal behavior more entertaining than space. Below is a short guide on what to expect with this species of shark. However, if you lack experience and are not with a professional, remember the best approach is to exit the water calmly and quickly.

If you encounter these sharks in the ocean while in the water, expect intense curiosity. They might be thinking, "What are you? Why are you here in the open ocean? Why do you swim so weird?"

These sharks can approach quickly, especially if they sense something unusual. They prey on creatures that can't swim well and likely have a blind spot. If their prey is injured, it will be less likely to deter an approach. I've seen these sharks shoot up from the bottom of thousands of feet of water and then re-approach from different angles. This behavior excites me, but it can turn a fun trip into a disaster if you're not prepared. Oceanic whitetip sharks are so intelligent and specialized that they will even work as a team to reach their target.

These sharks are very agile and can whip around quickly. Oceanic whitetip sharks often hunt at night but will also investigate noises during the day. If you're fishing in deep water, you might see them come to the surface, drawn by the struggles of the fish you've just caught. Remember, like all sharks, they are scavengers and opportunistic by nature. They will try to take your fish. It's just how the ocean works.

The Elegance of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks

The oceanic whitetip shark is a masterpiece of elegance and precision. Through my lens, I've learned from them and realized they are incredible predators full of personality and purpose. If this is a shark you dream of photographing, I invite you to join me on one of my photography expeditions. Together, we can stay curious, respectful, and continue diving into the deepest shades of blue.

In conclusion, the oceanic whitetip shark is not just a fearsome predator; it is a fascinating creature with unique behaviors and characteristics. Understanding these sharks can change the way we perceive them. They are not the monsters we often see in movies but rather essential parts of the marine ecosystem. By learning more about them, we can appreciate their role in maintaining the balance of ocean life.

Join me in exploring the wonders of the ocean and its inhabitants. Together, we can foster a deeper understanding and respect for these magnificent creatures. Let's continue to learn and share the beauty of the underwater world.