The Sliteye shark (Loxodon macrorhinus) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, and the only member of its genus. It is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific to depths between 23 and 262 feet.
Family: Carcharhinidae – Requiem sharks
Genus: loxodon
Species: macrorhinus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Carcharhinidae
Common Name– Requiem Sharks
Genus– Loxodon
Species– macrorhinus
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: The Sliteye shark is born between 1.3 and 1.4 feet. Males are typically around 2 and 2.2 feet, and females 2.3 feet. The longest recorded was 3 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The teeth of the Sliteye shark are small and smoothed edged, oblique-cusped teeth.
Head: The Sliteye shark has a very long and narrow snout. It has very large eyes.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: It is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific between latitudes 34° N and 30° S, from depths of 23 to 262 feet. It prefers the continental and insular shelves in water that is shallow and clear.
Diet: It typically eats small bony fishes, cuttlefish and shrimp.
Aesthetic Identification: The Sliteye shark is a very slim and small shark. It is brownish to grey and counter-shaded white underneath. The fins have light rear edges. There is a black margin on the first dorsal fin and caudal fins. The second dorsal fin is small and low with a very large free posterior margin behind the larger anal fins. There is no interdorsal ridge.
Biology and Reproduction: The Sliteye shark is viviparous, and has 2 to 4 pups per litter.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Scientists believe they are fast-growing.
Sliteye Shark Future and Conservation: The Sliteye shark is commonly caught in fisheries. However, since scientists believe it is fast-growing, it is resilient to fishing.
Sliteye Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: No threat to humans.