Identifying Sharks in the Maldives
There are over 20 species of shark living in the Pacific waters around the Maldives, of which only two present any danger to scuba divers. The others, and even the possible aggressors, are indeed some of the Maldives greatest diving attractions. In fact, ask any diver what the coolest thing he’s ever seen underwater and he’ll probably tell you it was some kind of shark.
The following is a short guide to the sharks of the Maldives together with photos and descriptions to help you recognize them.
Whale Shark
The highlight of most divers’ careers, the whale shark is the largest fish in the water, measuring up to 40 feet long. The shark is grey with very distinctive white spots all over his back. This shark is not aggressive and poses no danger to divers. On the contrary, they are very docile creatures that will allow you to swim close to them.
Tiger Shark
The Tiger Shark is the second largest predatory shark in the world, after the Great White. It is also the second most aggressive shark when it comes to attacking humans, although in Hawaii, where most Tiger Shark attacks occur, there is rarely more than one a year. The Tiger can be identified by his tiger-like stripes on his upper body and sheer size – Tiger Sharks measure up to 9 feet long. To see a Tiger Shark while diving is a real treat, but divers are well-advised to swim away from the shark quietly and without panicking.
Hammerhead Shark
One of nature’s most unusual creatures, the Hammerhead Shark is an amazing beast to see. There are nine hammerhead species already identified (the ninth specimen was identified in South Carolina in 2006), of which three can be dangerous to humans, although shark attacks by hammerheads are almost unheard of. Hammerhead Point, also known as Madivaru Corner, is a dive site in Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives, where Hammerheads pass by the reef wall early every morning, along with a variety of large deep-water fish. This breathtaking dive is a must-see for any diving enthusiast in the Maldives.
All other shark species in the Maldives pose no threat to humans, but all the same, they should be treated with respect to ensure utmost safety.
The White-Tip Reef Shark is one of the most common sharks to be seen in the Maldives. It is a grey shark with a white tip on its dorsal fin. The white-tip is most active at night, and as the name suggests, it is most commonly found around the reef.
The Grey Reef Shark is also fairly common, and popular among divers. A few years ago, scuba divers gathered around the reef to feed and watch the sharks, but this practice has now been cancelled since there was too much damage to the coral reef.
The Oceanic White-Tip Shark is abundant in the Maldives water, but it is rarely seen by divers since it spends most of its time out in the ocean, away from the reef.
Other sharks that scuba divers might see around the Maldives include the Zebra Shark, Snaggletooth Shark, Silky Shark, Silvertip Shark, Bignose Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, the Sliteye Shark, the Thresher Shark, the Blue Shark and the Shortfin Mako. Until recently, the only shark protected in Maldivian waters was the Whale Shark. However, on March 9, 2009, a law was passed banning all shark fishing in the Maldives. Conservationists are very optimistic that this will dramatically impact the shark populations around the Atolls.
By: Victoria Bourbon
About the Author:
Victoria Bourbon, Owner, http://www.scubadivemaldives.com
