For the first time ever, scientists have recorded the sliteye shark in the Great Chagos Bank, part of the Indian Ocean.
This is significant because:
The Great Chagos Bank is the world’s largest coral atoll (a ring-shaped reef or island formed of coral).
It highlights the ecological importance of this region and suggests that the sliteye shark's habitat may be broader than previously known.
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Loxodon macrorhinus
Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
Genus: Loxodon – the only species in this genus.
Found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
Countries where it's found include:
Asia & Oceania: India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Taiwan.
Middle East & Africa: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar.
Named for its slit-like eyes, which help it see in:
Low-light conditions (deep or murky waters)
Clear, shallow coastal zones
Size: Small, reaching up to 95 cm in length.
Body Shape: Very slender with a long, narrow snout.
Eyes: Large, adapted to low light.
Mouth: Has small teeth with smooth edges and a noticeable tip; short furrows at mouth corners.
Dorsal Fin: Ridge between dorsal fins is absent or barely visible.
Coloration:
Gray upper body, white underside.
Fins have pale edges (almost transparent when alive).
The first dorsal and tail fins have dark edges.
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)
This means the species is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future.
Threats include:
Overfishing (accidental catch in nets)
Habitat degradation
Pollution and climate change affecting coral reef ecosystems
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
If you haven’t created your account yet, please Login HERE !
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.