Pigeon Island Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus): juvenile schooling in shallow lagoons?
What thermal water parameters and shallow coral corridors in Pigeon Island’s rear lagoon shelter juvenile blacktip sharks from apex pelagic predators?
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3 Answers from travellers
Pigeon Island National Park off Nilaveli features a protected shallow coral lagoon with water depths between 0.5m and 1.5m that functions as a critical elasmobranch nursery. Newborn and juvenile Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus / Kalu Koti Mora, measuring 40cm to 70cm) school in groups of 10 to 25 individuals across sandy channels. Water temperatures in the sun-warmed lagoon reach 29°C to 31°C, accelerating juvenile metabolic growth. The shallow water and surrounding barrier of Acropora coral tables physically block large predatory open-water sharks (such as tiger sharks and large bull sharks) from entering.
Snorkelers can safely observe juvenile sharks in waist-deep water; the sharks feed on small mullet and silversides and avoid physical contact with humans.
DWC marine wardens enforce strict non-motorized boat buffers around the nursery lagoon; outboard engine propellers are prohibited within the reef crest.
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