Description

For the first time, researchers have documented the sliteye shark in the Great Chagos Bank the world’s largest coral atoll. This sighting highlights the remarkable and still little-studied biodiversity of the Chagos Archipelago and its Marine Protected Area. The sharks were observed in deep seagrass zones on the southern edge of the Bank, providing new insights into the species’ habitat range.

Discovery Of Sliteye Shark In Chagos

Using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) systems, scientists recorded two sliteye sharks located about 11 kilometres apart at depths of 23–29 metres. The species is easily recognized by its thin, slit-like pupils, which enhance vision in low-light conditions. Although usually associated with deeper waters, this finding confirms the shark’s ability to thrive in shallower, well-lit seas marking its first known occurrence in the Great Chagos Bank.

Importance Of Deepwater Seagrass Habitats

The sharks were detected in seagrass meadows first identified in 2016 through satellite tagging of green turtles. These meadows, which extend deeper than earlier assumed, support a wide variety of marine organisms—over 110 fish species rely on them for food and refuge. The presence of sliteye sharks further underlines the role of deepwater seagrass systems as crucial biodiversity hotspots.

Features And Range Of Sliteye Shark

The sliteye shark (Loxodon macrorhinus) belongs to the requiem shark family and is relatively small, reaching lengths of up to 95 cm. It has a slim build, a long snout, and distinctive slit-shaped pupils. With smooth-edged teeth, pale grey coloration, and a white underside, the shark is widely distributed across tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific—covering regions such as India, East Africa, northern Australia, and Japan.

Conservation Status And Concerns

Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, the species faces an estimated 30% population decline over 15 years due to intensive fishing in coastal areas. The Chagos sighting raises important questions about its population levels and habitat use. Protecting seagrass meadows and similar ecosystems will be critical for safeguarding this species and the broader marine life of the Indian Ocean.

Broader Implications

This discovery strengthens calls to conserve the Great Chagos Bank and its fragile ecosystems. Deepwater seagrass meadows serve as vital nurseries and feeding grounds for diverse marine species, helping sustain ocean health. The finding highlights the need for more research into underexplored habitats while emphasizing sustainable management of fishing and human activities in marine protected areas.

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