hiu

Hiu is the Indonesian and Malay word for shark, referring to any member of the cartilaginous fish group that inhabits oceans around Southeast Asia and other regions. In everyday use, the term covers many species, from small reef sharks to larger pelagic species. The word is common in coastal languages and appears in media, education, and fisheries reporting.

Sharks are elasmobranch fishes with skeletons made of cartilage, five to seven gill slits, and generally sharp teeth. They occupy diverse habitats, from shallow reefs to the deep ocean, and vary greatly in size and behavior. Although popular culture often singles out a few species as threats to humans, most sharks pose little direct danger to people and play important roles as apex or mesopredators in marine ecosystems.

Conservation and management: Many shark populations are affected by overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation. Some species are protected under national laws or international agreements, and consumer awareness about shark finning and sustainable seafood has grown in recent decades.

In Indonesian- and Malay-speaking contexts, hiu features in marine education, coastal livelihoods, and discussions about marine conservation.