Marine Life

Grey reef shark

Vahboa miyaru

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos is one of the most common reef sharks in the Maldives, and it is this species that is typically seen by divers at shark feeding stations. Grey reef sharks in the Indian Ocean are far less aggressive than those in the Pacific, which, combined with slight variations in coloration and dentition, has led some to suggest that they may be two distinct species.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 1.6 m; max. 1.9 m
color: Grey above, pale below. Trailing edge of caudal fin broadly blackish. Upper part of trailing edge of first dorsal fin narrowly whitish (in Indian Ocean individuals)
order: Carcharhiniformes
family: Carcharhinidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/carcharhinus-amblyrhynchos.png
habitat and biology: This species is commonly found on the upper part of outer reef slopes, reaching depths of up to 100 m or more. Its diet consists mainly of bony fishes, with occasional cephalopods and crustaceans. It is viviparous, with a yolk-sac placenta, and litters typically contain 1 to 6 young.
distinctive characters: This moderate-sized, fairly stocky shark has a broadly rounded snout, serrate upper teeth that are narrowly triangular, and a ridge on its back that may be present or absent. It has 24-28 teeth in its jaws and anterior nasal flaps that are very low.