English Name: Bigeye Thresher Shark
Local Name: Loabodu Kandi Miyaru
Size: Max. 4.6 m
Family: ALOPIDAE
Order: Lamniformes
Distinctive Characters: A large shark, with enormous upper caudal lobe, roughly equal to the length of the rest of the shark. Deep groove on each side of the nape; profile of head distinctly intended over eyes. Eyes very large, extending onto dorsal surface of head. First dorsal fin much larger than second.
Colour: Purplish-grey above, lighter below. Light ventral colouration not extending over pectoral fin bases.
Habitat and Biology: Oceanic, in depths to 500 m. Feeds on pelagic and benthic fishes, also on squids. Ovoviviparous, with uterine canibalism, number of young usually 2 per litter but sometimes up to 4.
Distribution: Circumglobal in warm seas.
Remarks: Alopias superciliosus is readily distinguished from the other species of thresher sharks by its peculiar head shape. It was first recorded from Maldives by USSR research vessels (Gubanov, 1978).