5 OF THE MOST COMMON SHARKS SPOTTED IN THE MALDIVES
More than 25 different shark species, including the beautiful whale shark, may be found in the Maldives. There are various species that you frequently meet, including hammerhead sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks.
The shark conservation sector is flourishing in the Maldives. Shark-focused ecotourism activities are widely available at hotels and diving shops, to advance shark conservation and knowledge.
Top 5 Sharks Most Frequently Seen in the Maldives
1. The Blacktip Reef Shark and Whitetip Reef Shark
Blacktip Reef Sharks may be easily identified thanks to their unique black fin tips. They are typically found in shallow seas around coral reefs and grow to a maximum length of about 5.3 feet (1.6 m). They are frequently spotted by divers and snorkelers in the Maldives and are not known to be hostile toward people.
The dorsal and caudal fins of whitetip reef sharks feature noticeable white tips. Additionally, they are somewhat little, reaching a maximum length of 5.3 feet (1.6 meters). Similar to blacktip reef sharks, which are also prevalent in those areas, they are not typically seen as a threat to humans.
2. Grey Reef Shark
Grey reef sharks are active at night and are frequently seen around coral reefs. They can get up to two meters long and have a slightly rounded snout and a moderately thick body. On their first dorsal fin and occasionally on other fins, they exhibit a distinct grey coloration. They can be found in places with current, such as Rasdhoo Madivaru, Guraidhoo Corner, and other things and channels on the east coast of the Maldives. Keep an eye out for them when exploring the Maldives because there’s a considerable possibility you’ll see them during a dive.
3. Whale Shark
The largest living fish and some of the biggest shark species are whale sharks. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants are harmless since they are filter feeders that eat prawns and plankton. In the Maldives, particularly in the South Ari Atoll, they are extremely prevalent. Since the archipelago serves as a nursery for whale sharks, the majority of them are young individuals that are about six meters long. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see them while snorkeling because they prefer swimming in shallow waters.
4. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Divers have a decent chance of witnessing scalloped hammerheads even though hammerhead shark sightings are less common in the Maldives. They are a medium-sized sharks with a rounded and somewhat scalloped front edge. They consume other sharks since they are real carnivores.
Rasdhoo Atoll on the Ari Atoll is the greatest location to view them. Like the other whale shark tours in the Maldives, you may sign up for a dive tour to see hammerhead sharks at Madivaru Corner’s Hammerhead Point. The school of hammerheads will ideally pass by as you arrive because the greatest time to watch them is in the early morning, before sunrise.
5. Leopard Shark
Leopard sharks, also known as zebra sharks, are among the most beautiful sharks to observe because of the distinctive patterns they have on their bodies, which range from dots to stripes. Adult sharks are pale with dark spots, while juvenile sharks are dark with light stripes. Leopard sharks are bottom-dwellers that often stay on the ocean floor between five and thirty meters beneath the surface.
