English Name: Spinner Shark
Local Name: Lonsi Miyaru
Size: Max to 2.4 m
Family: CARCHARHINIDAE
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Distinctive Characters: A long and slender shark with a very pointed snout. The pectoral, anal and lower caudal fins usually have black tips. Similar in appearance to a Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus limbatus which has a somewhat larger first dorsal fin with a falcate trailing edge, and the anal fin of a Blacktip shark does not have a black tip.
Colour: Back is gray-bronze, fading to a white belly, Anal fin with black tip, Dorsal fins, pectoral fins and caudal fin lower lobe also black-tipped
Habitat and Biology: Distributed throughout inshore and offshore waters, typically preferring higher salinities, but juveniles have been known to follow the tide into lower portions of bays. A very active, fast-swimming shark often seen breaching the surface in a spinning motion (where it gets its common name) while in pursuit of prey. Known to form schools and are highly migratory throughout, large schools are spotted at Hulhumale’ dive site “Shark Tank”.
Distribution: Coastal-pelagic on continental and insular shelves, common in shallow coastal waters from the surface to the bottom.
Remarks: Feeds primarily on pelagic fishes including baitfish but also eats rays, squid, and octopus. After approximately 11-12 months of gestation, females give birth every other year near inshore locations. Broods contain 3-15 pups. Size at birth 24-30 inches.