Latin name

Loxodon macrorhinus

Other name

Loxodon macrorhinus

Identification

The Sliteye is a small shark with a very slender body, long narrow face, large eyes and short furrows at the corners of the mouth. The teeth are small, with a protruding tip and smooth edges. The ridge between the dorsal fins is absent or rudimentary. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0.

The second dorsal fin is small, short and located behind the anal fin. 

Fish colouring

The coloration of the Sliteye shark is gray, the belly is white, and the edges of the fins are pale (transparent when alive). The caudal and first dorsal fins have dark edges. The tip of the first dorsal fin is also slightly darker than the overall coloration. 

Distribution

Widespread in tropical waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans between 34°N and 30°S off the coasts of Australia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, and Yemen. 

Habitat

Tropical marine benthic species. Prefers depths of 7 to 100 m.

Size

These sharks grow up to 95 centimeters in length.

Behavior

This species of shark swims on continental and island shelves, usually near the bottom.

Food and feeding habits

Sliteye sharks feed primarily on small bony fish, shrimp and squid. 

Reproduction

These sharks are viviparous; developing embryos are nourished by a placental connection to the mother formed by an empty yolk sac. The female gives birth annually. There are 2-4 pups in a litter. Sexual maturity occurs when they reach 79-90 cm in length.

Fishing

They are targeted by artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries. 

Relationship with a person

It is not dangerous to humans. The meat of these fish is eaten, but because of the small size of the fins, they are not much appreciated.