English Name: Sliteye Shark
Local Name: Hikandhi Thun Miyaru
Size: Max. about 95 cm
Family: CARCHARHINIDAE
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Distinctive Characters: A small, slender shark. Snout long and fairly pointed. Large eyes with characteristic posterior notch. Origin of second dorsal fin above end of anal fin. Pectorals small. Usually no ridge between dorsals but preanal ridges present.
Colour: Greyish to brownish without a prominent colour pattern.
Habitat and Biology: Occurs in tropical, coastal, clear waters, near the surface and bottom; at depths from 7 to 80 m. Feeds on small bony fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta; number of young 2-4 per litter.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: Loxodon macrorhinus appears to be common in atoll basins. This species is of commercial importance in some other areas as food, especially in southern India. Not consumed in Maldives. Harmless to people.