Theyo Miyaru, Meedhaa Miyaru
Classification
Max Size
Lamniformes
Distribution
Temperate and tropical waters.
Distinctive Characters
A large, bulky shark. Snout moderately elongated and roundly conical. Eyes moderately large. Distinctive, long, narrow sharp teeth with 2 cusplets on each side. Typically 4 (sometimes 3) rows of small teeth on each side of upper jaw between large anterior and lateral teeth.
Color
Grey; pale below. May be spotted.
Habitat & Biology
Occurs in deep continental and insular shelves and upper slopes at depths of 13-420m. Feeds on small bony fishes, squids and shrimps. Takes smaller and possible less active prey. Reproduction is unknown in this species but presumably ovoviviparous.
Remarks
Odontaspis ferox is sometimes caught by bottom-set gillnets laid down at the reef slopes. More commonly it is caught by deep vertical long lines set outside the atolls for spiny dogfish (‘kashi miyaru keyolhu kan’). Its Dhivehi names includes ‘Theyo miyaru’ (oil shark, on account of its large liver) and ‘Meedhaa miyaru’ (rat shark, on account of its appearance). Not implicated in attacks on people.
Gallery