Cocos (Keeling) Islands released the WWF stamps that feature the species Blacktip Reef sharks or Carcharhinus melanopterus on June 21 , 2003. The issue presented in 4 single stamps and one local FDC which has big image of species and a special shaped of cancellation post mark.
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, and easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins. Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species prefers shallow, inshore waters, and its exposed first dorsal fin is a common sight in the region.
The blacktip reef shark is found throughout nearshore waters of the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific. A robustly built species with a streamlined "typical shark" form, the blacktip reef shark has a short, wide, rounded snout and moderately large, oval eyes. Each nostril (one of the two channels of the nose) has a flap of skin in front that is expanded into a nipple-shaped lobe.
Blacktip reef sharks have extremely small home ranges and exhibit strong site fidelity, remaining within same local area for up to several years at a time. They are active predators of small bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans, and have also been known to feed on sea snakes and seabirds.Blacktip reef sharks is used for its meat, fins, and liver oil, but is not considered to be a commercially significant species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the blacktip reef shark as Near Threatened.
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