The white-tip reef shark is one of the most common sharks on a reef. Though it is smaller and less violent than the tiger shark, it is still a top predator on the reef. It has very thick, tough skin, a flat head, and a dorsal fin (the fin on its back) that is far away from its head. Because of these three things, it can stick its head into gaps in the hard coral and other tight spots to find food.

Its color pattern helps it sneak up on fish: when seen from below, its light-colored stomach blends with the bright, sunny waters above, and when seen from above, its dark back matches the ocean floor. This color scheme, called countershading, is sported by most sharks.