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Home , Blacknose shark, Blue shark, Bonnethead, Bull shark, Carcharhinus, Caribbean reef shark

Identification Guide to Common and Rays of the The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO.

© FAO, 2016

ISBN 978-92-5-109245-3

FAO encourages the use, and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way. All requests for translation and rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licence-request or addressed to [email protected]. FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be purchased through [email protected]. FAO. 2016. Identification guide to common sharks and rays of the Caribbean, by Ramón Bonfil. FishFinder Programme. Rome, . Supervision: Kim Friedman (FAO, Rome), Raymon Van Anrooy (FAOSLC, Barbados). Technical editor: Edoardo Mostarda (FAO, Rome). Colour illustrations, images, graphic design and cover: Emanuela D’Antoni (FAO, Rome). Technical revision: Nikola Simpson (FAOSLC, Barbados).

This guide was prepared under the “CITES-FAO collaboration on immediate actions in support of the implementation of CITES listings of sharks and manta rays” project and developed in close collaboration with the FishFinder Programme of the Marine and Inland Branch, Fisheries Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United nations (FAO). It includes a selection of and ray occurring in the Wider Caribbean Region, that is the of the Caribbean , Gulf of , and the waters of the Atlantic adjacent thereto. In total, 41 shark and 20 ray species are included. These species were selected because of their relevance to commercial fisheries or vulnerability to exploitation due to their life history characteristics. Of these, 29 shark and 9 ray species are presented in a full species card and depicted with a colour illustration and photo. Short accounts of 12 shark and 11 ray species that are less common in the region and could be misidentified with more common species, are also included. This guide is intended to help workers collecting catch data in the field in the identification of the sharks and rays they might encounter for the specific purpose of improving the quality of catch and landings data. The guide is expected to be useful also for fisheries inspectors, observers and enforcement officers of the navy, coastguard and customs.

FishFinder Programme, Marine and Inland Fisheries Branch (FIAF). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Website: www.fao.org/fishery/fishfinder/en Email: [email protected] 1 GUIDE TO ORDERS INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE The shark and ray species included in this guide belong to nine Orders and sixteen Families. The species cards are colour coded by . The user can check the caught specimen against the guide below and follow the colour code or page numbers to reach the species cards. Only one dorsal

No anal fin 6 or 7 slits – Pages 10 and 11 – Pages 12 and 13 without a movable lower eyelid

Anal fin well in front of eyes

LAMNIFORMES – Pages 14 to 19 ORECTOLOBIFORMES – Pages 20 and 21 pectoral not Eyes with a attached to head movable lower Body flattened, eyelid ray–like

Mouth No anal fin terminal – Pages 22 to 58 SQUATINIFORMES – Page 59 2 Snout with a long, flat, relatively wide surrounded by large ‘teeth’ on both sides

gill slits on underside of body Body flattened

PRISTIFORMES – Pages 60 and 61 slender to stout, with two dorsal fins and a rudimentary caudal fin Body flattened

Body flattened, ray–like RHINOBATIFORMES – Pages 62 and 63

Tail thin, mostly long and whip–like, often with serrated sting on root

MYLIOBATIFORMES – Pages 64 to 75

3 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Scientific name FAO name in English, FAO 3-alpha name and Autorship French and Spanish code

CITES listing (see page 9)

Scientific illustration and field marks

Species size: maximum (Max.), male ♂ and female ♀ maturity (Mat.), and

Coloration

Photo of freshly caught specimen

Other helpful Bio-ecology, details for methods and identification maximum depth

Similar species occurring in the area showing main differences with the species on the left card

4

Estuarine Coastal, Coastal, Demersal, Oceanic, and pelagic demersal over slope epipelagic

1875 m

Deep-, Deep-water, over slope around

FISHING METHODS

Bottom trawl Gillnets Purse seine

Longlines Hook-and-line Harpoon

5 GUIDE OF EXTERNAL TERMINOLOGY OF SHARKS

Dorsal-fin 1st spine (If 2nd dorsal fin present Precaudal pit Snout

Mouth

Labial Clasper Caudal Caudal fin furrow (male peduncle ) Gill slits Pectoral fin Anal fin

Head Trunk Tail Total length (TL) Lateral view

precaudal caudal fin snout gill slits tail nostril anal fin

trunk

anal-fin vent ridges mouth pelvic fin pectoral (female, no fin claspers) 6 Ventral view Interdorsal-fin labial furrow ridge

labial fold Dorsal view of body Mouth corner apex inner fin insertion margin spine posterior free anterior margin rear tip margin base free rear tip fin origin posterior base anterior margin margin origin insertion Dorsal fin apex Pectoral fin terminal dorsal lobe lobe dorsal margin upper origin subterminal notch

lower origin

ventral ventral tip lobe

Caudal fin 7 GUIDE OF EXTERNAL TERMINOLOGY OF RAYS snout orbit

pectoral fin spiracle

tail

pelvic fin Dorsal view of a tail spine Dasyatidae species Disc width (DW)

preoral length

Underside of head of a species 8 The Convention on International Trade in of Wild and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments aimed at protecting species of wild fauna and flora from overexploitation through international trade. A specimen of a CITES-listed species may be imported into or exported (or re-exported) from a State party to the Convention only if the appropriate document has been obtained and presented for clearance at the port of entry or exit. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need. Appendix I includes species threatened with . Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances (i.e. research). Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. Countries will only allow trade in specimens of these species once the Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that ‘such export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species’. These ‘non- detriment findings’ (NDF’s) guarantee that exports of products from listed species covered by the NDF have not harmed wild populations or . Appendix III includes species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. How to Safely Release Sharks The biological characteristic of sharks and rays render them very vulnerable to heavy exploitation and many species are already considered to be under threat of extinction. Considering this, it is important to ensure that sharks and rays that are released alive, survive the stress of capture and do not die shorty after being released. Also, it is important for fishers to handle and release sharks and rays without risking injury to themselves. • The first recommendation is to make sure that everyone involved knows his or her role during the release, to increase safety for and fishers. • It is very important to use circle hooks rather than J hooks. Since circle hooks usually embed in the fish’s rather than the throat or , they decrease life-threatening injuries. • Non-stainless steel hooks are also recommended because if left in the fish, they will eventually corrode allowing fish to heal and continue to live healthy lives. • Minimizing fight times and keeping fish in the water while removing hooks also help to increase survival rates. • Do not use gaffs to secure sharks, and avoid lifting fish out of the water. • Use a de-hooking tool if possible. This avoids risk of being bitten during hook removal. • Resuscitate sharks before release, by pulling them slowly while in the water so that goes through their . 9 griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) – Requin griset SBL Cañabota gris Only one Distance (a) slightly larger than Eye relatively Six gill slits dorsal fin dorsal–fin base length (b) small b a

Lower teeth comb–like Colour: grey or tan to blackish with a conspicuous lighter . Underside often lighter. Size Upper and lower teeth Max.: 482 cm TL Mat.: ♂ 309 cm TL 6 rows of large teeth on ♀

HEXANCHIDAE 421 cm TL each side of mouth Birth: 65 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

10 1875 m Similar species

Hexanchus nakamurai Distance (a) much larger than Only one dorsal–fin base length (b) Six gill slits dorsal fin b Eye relatively a large

Lower teeth comb–like

Upper and lower teeth Size 5 rows of large teeth on Max.: 180 cm TL each side of mouth perlo Seven gill slits Only one Eye large dorsal fin

Lower teeth comb–like

Size Upper and lower teeth 5 rows of large teeth on Max.: 139 cm TL each side of mouth 11 Squalus cubensis Howell-Rivero, 1936 – Aiguillat cubain QUC Galludo cubano

1st dorsal–fin spine very Dorsal fins with long, almost equal to length dark patches of 1st dorsal–fin base

Strongly concave pectoral–fin posterior margins and very pointed posterior tips

Colour: upper body brown Size to grey; white margins on Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head pectoral fins and posterior Mat.: ♂ and ♀ ≤ 50 cm TL edge of caudal fin. Birth: unknown

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

380 m

12 Squalus mitsukurii Jordan and Snyder, 1903 Shortspine – Aiguillat épinette QUK Galludo espinilla No dark patches on dorsal fins Spine on 1st dorsal fin short

Posterior tips of pectoral fins rounded Size DAE Colour: upper body grey Max.: 125 cm TL to brown; pectoral fins and Mat.: ♂ 47–85 cm TL posterior edge of caudal fin ♀ 50–100 cm TL Underside of head SQUALI with thin white margins. Birth: 21–30 cm TL

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

954 m 13 Alopias superciliosus (Lowe, 1841) – Renard à gros yeux BTH Zorro ojón Origin of 1st dorsal fin far from end of pectoral fins

Eye large

Strong groove Colour: upper body Size grey–brown to purplish– Max.: 461 cm TL grey, white to grey below. Mat.: ♂ 279–300 cm TL No white patches above ♀ 294–355 cm TL pectoral or pelvic–fin bases. Birth: 100–140 cm TL ALOPIIDAE

Dorsal view of head

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

600 m

14 Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788) Thresher – Renard ALV Zorro

Origin of 1st dorsal fin close to end of pectoral fins Eye small

Colour: upper body blue–grey to dark grey, underside white. Noticeable white patches above pectoral and pelvic–fin bases

extending from ventral area. ALOPIIDAE

Size Max.: 573 cm TL Mat.: ♂ 314 cm TL ♀ 315–400 cm TL Birth: 114–160 cm TL Photo: Oddgeir Alvheim

640 m

15 (Linnaeus, 1758) CITES Great – Grand requin blanc WSH Jaquetón blanco App. II

2nd dorsal fin very small

pectoral caudal fin fins broadly half–moon triangular shaped Colour: upper body Size blue–grey to grey–brown, Max.: 640 cm TL underside white. Mat.: ♂ 350–410 cm TL, Boundary between these ♀ 400–500 cm TL

LAMNIDAE tones is generally abrupt. Birth: 109–165 cm TL Underside of head upper and lower teeth serrated; upper broadly triangular

Upper and lower Photo: G.H. Burgess

1200 m 16 Similar species oxyrinchus See also page 18

Teeth dagger–like, not serrated Pectoral fins Size narrowly Upper and lower Max.: 396 cm TL triangular tooth Isurus paucus See also page 19

Teeth dagger–like, not serrated pectoral fins as Upper and lower Size long as head tooth Max.: 417 cm TL Cetorhinus maximus gill openings reaching well under head

Underside of head

Size Teeth very small Max.: 980 cm TL Upper teeth 17 Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810 Shortfin mako – Taupe bleue SMA Marrajo dientuso

Head 2nd dorsal fin very conical small

Snout very narrowly pectoral fins Strong keel pointed narrowly triangular Colour: upper body bright Size blue–purplish, underside Max.: 396 cm TL usually white. Pelvic and anal Mat.: ♂ 203–215 cm TL, ♀ 275–293 cm TL Underside of head fins dark on anterior halves, white on posterior halves. Birth: 60–70 cm TL Teeth dagger–like not serrated, with bent tips

Upper and lower tooth Photo: P. Iglesias

620 m

18 pointed broadly broadly Marrajo carite – mako Longfin Petite taupe Isurus paucus Isurus paucus S nout nout U nderside ofnderside head T not serrated, with not serrated, with eeth dagger–like eeth straight tips lower tooth lower U pper and pper and (Guitart–Manday, 1969) P hoto: NOAA juveniles and adults. and dark inlarge underside of snout underside white, but slaty blue or grey–black; Colour: p long ashead ectoral fins as fins as ectoral upper body 2 Birth: 97–120cmTL Birth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 417cmTL Size nd dorsal fin very fin nd dorsal very S 245cmTL trong keel ♂ 228–245cmTL, small LMA N/A m 19 LAMNIDAE cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788) – Requin-nourrice GNC Gata nodriza

1st dorsal fin above Dorsal fins of pelvic fins similar size

small mouth with ‘whiskers’, placed Caudal fin with very small almost all the way to or no lower lobe the front of the snout

Size Colour: upper body yellowish Max.: 304 cm TL Underside of head to grey–brown, underside light Mat.: ♂ 210 cm TL, whitish–brown; young with ♀ 230–240 cm TL small dark spots. Birth: 27–30 cm TL Teeth very small

Upper and lower teeth

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

130 m

20 Tiburón ballena sharkWhale –Requin baleine Rhincodon typus typus Rhincodon M and infront of U outh very wide wide outh very pper body covered with covered with pper body L light–colored dots ateral view of ateral view head head Smith, 1828 n white or yellowish. underside stripes; vertical white or yellow spots and with anoticeable pattern of bluish or greenish–brown, upper grey, body Colour: oticeable ridges oticeable ridges P hoto: H.B. Osmany on sides 1 st dorsal fin above st fin dorsal above pelvic fins pelvic Birth: 55–64cmTL Birth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 1370cmTL Size 1060cmTL ♂ 705cmTL, RHN App. II CITES 1928 m 21 RHINCODONTIDAE Mustelus canis (Mitchill, 1815) Dusky smooth–hound – Émissole douce CTI Boca dulce

ventral lobe of caudal fin small and rounded Upper labial furrows longer than lower Colour: upper body furrows olive grey or slaty grey, underside yellowish or Size Underside of head whitish grey, posterior Max.: 150 cm TL margin of first dorsal Mat.: ♂ 82 cm TL, TRIAKIDAE Dermal denticles fin white in younger ♀ 90 cm TL on back between specimens. Birth: 34–39 cm TL dorsal and pectoral fins, with a single cusp

Teeth

Dermal denticle Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

150 m

22 Similar species See also page 24 upper labial furrows Mustelus higmani about as long as lower furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles on ventral lobe of back between dorsal caudal fin small and and pectoral fins Size pointed with three cusps Max.: 65 cm TL Dermal denticles

Mustelus minicanis upper labial furrows about as long as lower furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of ventral lobe of caudal back mostly with a Size fin small and rounded single cusps Max.: 57 cm TL Dermal denticle

Mustelus norrisi upper labial furrows about as long as lower furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of ventral lobe of back mostly with a Size caudal fin moderate single cusps Max.: 98 cm TL and pointed Dermal denticle 23 Mustelus higmani Springer and Lowe, 1963 Smalleye smooth–hound – Émissole ti-yeux CTJ Musola amarilla

ventral lobe of caudal fin small and pointed upper labial furrows about as long as lower furrows Colour: upper body Size pale grey or bronze, Max.: 65 cm TL with golden to brassy Mat.: ♂ 43 cm TL, TRIAKIDAE reflections, underside ♀ 48 cm TL Underside of head whitish. Birth: 21–24 cm TL Dermal denticles of back mostly with three cusps Dermal denticles Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

900 m 24 Similar species See also page 22 Mustelus canis upper labial furrows longer than lower furrows

Underside of head

ventral lobe of Dermal denticles of caudal fin small back mostly with a Size and rounded single cusps Max.: 150 cm TL Dermal denticle

Mustelus minicanis upper labial furrows about as long as lower furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of ventral lobe of back mostly with a Size caudal fin small and single cusps Max.: 57 cm TL rounded Dermal denticle

Mustelus norrisi upper labial furrows about as long as lower furrows

Underside of head

Dermal denticles of ventral lobe of back mostly with a Size caudal fin moderate single cusps Max.: 98 cm TL and pointed Dermal denticle 25 lewini (Griffith and Smith, 1834) CITES SPL Requin-marteau halicorne – Cornuda común App. II

head hammer-like in Free rear tip of 1st Free rear tip of 2nd dorsal shape, with eyes on dorsal fin far ahead of fin almost touching sides of hammer-like pelvic–fin origins caudal–fin origin projections

posterior margin posterior margin of pelvic fins nearly of anal fin deeply anterior margin of straight concave head convex, with a strong notch in the Colour: upper body Size middle grey, greyish brown or Max.: 420 cm TL olivaceous, underside Mat.: ♂ 140–165 cm TL,

SPHYRNIDAE white; pectoral fins ♀ 212 cm TL tipped dusky below. Birth: 42–55 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

980 m 26 Similar species

Sphyrna mokarran See also page 28 anterior margin of head nearly straight dorsal fin 2nd dorsal fin higher and higher strongly falcate

Size posterior margin of pelvic Underside of head Max.: 610 cm TL fins strongly concave

Sphyrna zygaena CITES free rear tip of 2nd App. II dorsal fin far from caudal–fin origin anterior margin of head convex, without a notch in the middle

posterior margin of pelvic Size fins slightly concave Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna tudes See also page 32 lateral head expansions Free rear tip of 1st wider, with more straight dorsal fin over or behind posterior margins pelvic–fin origins

Size smaller

Size posterior margin of anal Underside of head Max.: 150 cm TL fin nearly straight 27 Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppel, 1837) CITES – Grand requin-marteau SPK Cornuda gigante App. II 2nd dorsal fin high, 1st dorsal fin free rear tip of 1st with a short free very high and dorsal fin far ahead of rear tip strongly falcate pelvic–fin origins

head hammer-like in shape, with eyes on posterior margin of anal fin deeply sides of hammer-like posterior margin of concave projections pelvic fins deeply concave Size anterior margin of Colour: upper body Max.: 610 cm TL head straight, with a grey or grey-brown, Mat.: ♂ 234–269 cm TL, strong notch in the paler below; fins with ♀ 250–300 cm TL

SPHYRNIDAE middle dusky tips in young. Birth: 50–70 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

80 m

28 Similar species Sphyrna lewini See also page 26 anterior margin of 2nd dorsal fin low, with free head nearly convex 1st dorsal fin lower rear tip almost reaching and not strongly caudal–fin origin falcate

Size posterior margin of pelvic Max.: 420 cm TL fins nearly straight Underside of head

Sphyrna zygaena CITES App. II 1st dorsal fin lower, with narrowly anterior margin of head convex, 2nd dorsal fin low rounded tip without a notch in the middle

posterior margin of pelvic Size fins slightly concave Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head Sphyrna tudes See also page 32 Free rear tip of 1st lateral head dorsal fin over or behind expansions wider pelvic–fin origins

Size smaller posterior margin of anal Size Underside of head fin nearly straight Max.: 150 cm TL 29 Sphyrna tiburo (Linnaeus, 1758) – Requin-marteau tiburo SPJ Cornuda tiburo Origin of 1st dorsal fin Posterior margin well behind pectoral–fin of 2nd dorsal fin insertion deeply concave

Posterior margin of anal fin nearly posterior margin of head shovel-like in straight shape, with eyes on pelvic fins nearly straight sides of shovel-like projections Colour: upper body Size grey or grey-brown, Max.: 150 cm TL light below, often Mat.: ♂ 52–75 cm TL, SPHYRNIDAE with small dark spots ♀ 84 cm TL on sides of body. Birth: 35–40 cm TL

Underside of head

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

80 m

30 Similar species

Sphyrna tudes See also page 32 anterior margin of Origin of 1st dorsal fin head deeply notched just behind pectoral–fin in the middle insertion

lateral head expansions Size mallet-like Max.: 150 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna media anterior margin Origin of 1st dorsal fin of head shallowly just behind pectoral–fin notched or not insertion notched in the middle

lateral head Size posterior margin of pelvic expansions Max.: 150 cm TL fins slightly concave mallet-like Underside of head Sphyrna lewini See also page 26 head anterior margin of 2nd dorsal fin lower, with hammer-like head deeply notched longer free rear tip in shape in the middle

Size larger head posterior margin of anal expansions Size fin deeply notched narrower Max.: 420 cm TL Underside of head 31 Sphyrna tudes (Valenciennes, 1822) SPQ Requin-marteau à petits yeux – Cornuda ojichica

origin of 1st dorsal fin free rear tip of 1st just behind pectoral–fin dorsal fin over or behind insertion pelvic–fin origins

Posterior margin of Anterior margin anal fin nearly straight of head deeply notched in the middle Head mallet-like in shape, with eyes on Colour: upper body grey- sides of mallet-like SPHYRNIDAE brown to golden, underside projections light; fins without markings.

Preoral length Size 0.25-0.30 of Max.: 150 cm TL head width Mat.: ♂ 110–134 cm TL, ♀ 120–148 cm TL Underside of head Birth: 30 cm TL

12 m

32 Similar species

Sphyrna media anterior margin 1st dorsal–fin of head shallowly more falcate notched or not notched in the middle

Preoral length 0.33-0.40 of head width Size Max.: 150 cm TL Underside of head

Sphyrna tiburo See also page 30 anterior margin of Origin of 1st dorsal fin head not notched in well behind pectoral–fin the middle insertion

head shovel-like in shape Size Underside of head Max.: 150 cm TL Sphyrna lewini See also page 26 1st dorsal–fin Free rear tip of 2nd head much wider rear tip far dorsal fin almost and hammer-like ahead of pelvic– touching caudal–fin in shape fin origins origin

Size posterior margin of anal fin deeply notched Max.: 420 cm TL Underside of head 33 cuvier (Peron and LeSueur, 1822) shark – Requin tigre commun TIG Tintorera tigre

Spiracle a keel on each side of behind eye caudal peduncle

snout short and bluntly rounded, preoral length 0.7–1.1 times internarial width upper labial Colour: upper body dark furrows very grey or greyish brown, Size long, almost underside whitish; Max.: 550 cm TL reaching eye young with dark vertical Mat.: ♂ 226–290 cm TL Underside of head bars and spots on sides, ♀ 250–350 cm TL fading in adults. Birth: 51–76 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Upper and lower teeth coarsely serrated, with large cusplets on inner base and a deep notch on the inside margin Upper and lower tooth Photo: NOAA

920 m 34 Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) – Peau bleue BSH Tiburón azul

1st dorsal fin relatively no ridge on back small, closer to pelvic between dorsal fins fins than to pectoral fins

snout long and narrow weak keel on sides of caudal peduncle

Colour: dark blue on top, bright blue on sides Size (purple blackish after Max.: 383 cm TL death), underside white. Mat.: ♂ 182–218 cm TL Tips of pectoral and anal ♀ 166–221 cm TL Underside of head fins dusky. Birth: 34–48 cm TL CARCHARHINIDAE upper teeth heavily serrated, and triangularly curved inwards Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramón Bonfil

980 m 35 brevirostris (Poey, 1868) – Requin citron NGB Tiburón galano 1st dorsal fin in front 2nd dorsal fin almost as of pelvic fins large as 1st dorsal fin

snout short and bluntly rounded, preoral length almost equal to internarial width

Size Colour: olive grey Max.: 340 cm TL or yellowish brown, Mat.: ♂ 224 cm TL, but often darker; belly ♀ 239 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head yellowish or whitish. Birth: 60–65 cm TL

upper teeth serrated and notched on both sides

Upper and lower tooth Photo: K. Bondy

92 m

36 Similar species Ginglymostoma cirratum See also page 20 1st dorsal fin above pelvic fins

small mouth with ‘whiskers’, very close to Caudal fin with the front of the snout Teeth very small or no very lower lobe small

Size Underside of head Upper and lower teeth Max.: 304 cm TL acronotus See also page 42 2nd dorsal fin much Origin of 1st dorsal smaller than 1st dorsal fin fin over pectoral–fin free rear tip

upper teeth deeply notched on inner preoral length side Size smaller 1.4-1.7 times internarial space Size Underside of head Upper and lower tooth Max.: 200 cm TL 37 lalandii (Valenciennes, 1839) Brazilian sharpnose shark – Requin aiguille brésilien RHL Cazón picudo chino Origin of 1st dorsal fin Origin of 2nd dorsal fin above or slightly behind over anal–fin mid–base pectoral–fin free rear tip

Apex of pectoral fin not reaching 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral fin Base of anal fin with two is pressed to the side of the body strong pre–anal ridges upper labial furrows Colour: upper body long and greyish brown, underside Size noticeable white, pectoral fins with Max.: 77 cm TL Underside of head white posterior margins, Mat.: ♂ 45–50 cm TL, caudal fin with dark ♀ 54 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE margins. Birth: 33–34 cm TL teeth small, strongly oblique, and without serrations

Upper and lower tooth Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

70 m

38 Similar species Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40

Upper and lower tooth

larger maximum size Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral Size fin is pressed to the side of the body Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head Rhizoprionodon terraenovae body usually with white spots Upper and lower tooth

larger maximum size Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing Size 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral fin is pressed to the side of the body Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44 upper teeth strongly notched in one side, Origin of 1st dorsal fin Origin of 2nd lightly notched in the well behind pectoral–fin dorsal fin over other, and heavily rear tip anal–fin origin serrated Upper and lower tooth

upper labial furrows very small, Base of anal fin without unnoticeable Size two strong pre-anal ridges Max.: 330 cm TL Underside of head 39 Rhizoprionodon porosus (Poey, 1861) Caribbean sharpnose shark – Requin aiguille antillais RHR Cazón picudo antillano Origin of 1st dorsal fin above or slightly behind Origin of 2nd dorsal fin pectoral–fin free rear tip over anal–fin midbase

Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing Base of anal fin with two 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral strong pre–anal ridges fin is pressed to the side of the body upper labial furrows Colour: upper body brown long and or greyish brown without Size noticeable light spots, underside Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head whitish, posterior margins of Mat.: ♂ 60 cm TL, pectoral fins white, of dorsal ♀ 80 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE and caudal fins blackish. Birth: 31–39 cm TL teeth small, strongly oblique, and without serrations

Upper and lower tooth

Photo: Uriel Mendoza-Vargas

500 m

40 Similar species Rhizoprionodon lalandii See also page 38

Upper and lower tooth

Smaller maximum size Apex of pectoral fin not reaching 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral fin Size is pressed to the side of the body Max.: 77 cm TL Underside of head Rhizoprionodon terraenovae body usually with white spots Upper and lower tooth

Apex of pectoral fin reaching or passing Size 1st dorsal–fin midbase when pectoral fin Max.: 110 cm TL is pressed to the side of the body Underside of head Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44 upper teeth strongly Origin of 1st dorsal fin notched in one side, Origin of 2nd lightly notched in the well behind pectoral–fin dorsal fin over rear tip other, and heavily anal–fin origin serrated Upper and lower tooth

upper labial furrows very small, Base of anal fin without unnoticeable Size two strong pre–anal ridges Max.: 330 cm TL Underside of head 41 Carcharhinus acronotus (Poey, 1860) – Requin nez noir CCN Tiburón amarillo

Origin of 1st dorsal fin no ridge on back over pectoral–fin free between dorsal fins dark on tip rear tip of snout

Preoral length 1.4–1.7 times internarial width

Size Colour: upper body grey, Max.: 200 cm TL yellowish–brow, or brown; Mat.: ♂ 97–106 cm TL, underside whitish; ♀ 103 cm TL Fins not black tipped. Birth: 50 cm TL Underside of head

CARCHARHINIDAE upper teeth serrated and deeply notched on inner side

Upper and Photo: NOAA lower tooth

64 m

42 Similar species

Carcharhinus porosus See also page 54 upper teeth Origin of 1st dorsal fin strongly serrated, over pectoral–fin inner with oblique cusps margin

Size Upper and lower tooth Max.: 134 cm TL Negaprion brevirostris See also page 36 upper teeth serrated and 2nd dorsal fin almost as notched on both large as 1st dorsal fin sides

Upper and lower tooth

Preoral length almost equal to internarial width Size Max.: 340 cm TL Underside of head

Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40 teeth not origin of 2nd dorsal serrated, with strongly fin over anal–fin Upper and lower tooth mid–base oblique cusps

Size Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head 43 Carcharhinus falciformis (Muller and Henle, 1839) – Requin soyeux FAL Tiburón jaquetón 1st dorsal fin of moderate 2nd dorsal fin very low, size, with narrowly to broadly A ridge on back and with very long inner rounded tip, its origin well between dorsal fins margin and free rear tip behind pectoral–fin rear tip

Preoral length 1.2–1.6 times internarial width Colour: upper body nearly black to dark grey or brown grey; lower body whitish. Pectoral Size fins black–tipped Max.: 330 cm TL underneath, pelvic fins Mat.: ♂ 215–225 cm TL, Underside of head often dusky but not ♀ 232–246 cm TL black–tipped. Birth: 76 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE upper teeth strongly notched in one side, lightly notched in the other, with heavily serrated cusps and large Upper and serrations on bases lower tooth

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

500 m

44 Similar species upper teeth nearly Carcharhinus obscurus triangular in shape and serrated, but Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin without coarse on top or in front of with pointed serrations on base pectoral–fin rear tip or narrowly rounded tip Upper and lower tooth

Preoral length 1.0–1.4 times internarial width

Size Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus galapagensis upper teeth nearly Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin large with triangular in shape on top of pectoral–fin pointed or narrowly and serrated, but inner margin rounded tip without coarse serrations on base

Upper and lower tooth

Snout short and rounded, preoral length 1.0–1.3 times Size internarial width Max.: 370 cm TL Underside of head Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40 teeth not origin of 2nd dorsal serrated, with fin over anal–fin strongly oblique mid–base cusps Upper and lower tooth

Size Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head 45 Carcharhinus leucas (Valenciennes, 1839) – Requin bouledogue CCE Tiburón sarda 2st dorsal fin large Origin of 1st dorsal fin No ridge on back and triangular, its on top of just behind between dorsal fins pectoral–fin insertion origin on top or in front of anal–fin origin

Snout very short and broadly rounded, preoral Body stocky length 0.7–1.0 times internarial width Colour: upper body Size greyish, belly whitish; Max.: 340 cm TL tips and edges of fins Mat.: ♂ 157–226 cm TL, dusky to black in very ♀ 180–230 cm TL young individuals. Birth: 56–81 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head Teeth heavily serrated; uppers broadly triangular, lowers with poorly defined bases

Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramón Bonfil

152 m

46 Similar species upper teeth with Carcharhinus limbatus See also page 48 narrow, straight, dorsal fins, pectoral fins serrated cusps, and and lower lobe of caudal coarsely serrated bases fin, black–tipped Upper and lower tooth

snout long and narrowly pointed, preoral length 1.3–1.7 times internarial width Size body not stocky or Max.: 250 cm TL specially heavy Underside of head Carcharhinus galapagensis upper teeth with long, nearly A ridge on back triangular serrated between dorsal fins cusps; lower teeth with narrow straight cusps and well– defined bases Upper and lower tooth

Snout short and rounded, preoral body not stocky or length 1.0–1.3 times specially heavy Size internarial width Max.: 370 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus plumbeus See also page 52 1st dorsal fin A ridge on back very large and between dorsal fins high Upper and lower tooth

snout broadly parabolic, preoral length 0.9–1.3 times Size internarial width Max.: 239 cm TL Underside of head 47 Carcharhinus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1839) – Requin bored CCL Tiburón macuira Origin of 1st dorsal fin 1st dorsal fin relatively large and falcate, with No ridge on on top of just behind back between pectoral–fin insertion pointed or narrowly rounded tip dorsal fins

Snout relatively long and narrowly pointed, preoral length 1.3–1.7 times internarial width Colour: upper body grey or grey–brown, Size underside white; dorsal Max.: 250 cm TL fins, pectoral fins, pelvic Mat.: ♂ 55–72 cm TL, fins and lower lobe of ♀ 120–190 cm TL caudal fin, black–tipped. Birth: 55–72 cm TL Underside of head CARCHARHINIDAE upper teeth with narrow, straight, serrated cusps, and coarsely serrated bases

Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramón Bonfil

30 m

48 Similar species snout long and Carcharhinus brevipinna narrowly pointed, preoral length 1st dorsal fin relatively 1.5–1.8 times small, its origin over internarial width pectoral–fin rear tips Underside of head

upper and lower teeth with fine serrations and very similar in size and shape Size Anal fin black–tipped Max.: 278 cm TL Upper and lower tooth Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44 Snout shorter, preoral length Origin of 1st dorsal a ridge on 2nd dorsal fin very fin well behind 1.2–1.6 times back between low, and with very internarial width pectoral–fin rear tip dorsal fins long inner margin and free rear tip Underside of head

upper teeth strongly notched in dorsal fins, pelvic fins one side Size and lower lobe of caudal Max.: 330 cm TL fin without black tips Upper and lower tooth

Carcharhinus perezi See also page 50 snout short and Origin of 1st dorsal fin rounded, preoral over or slightly anterior a ridge on back length 1.0–1.1 times to pectoral–fin free between dorsal fins internarial width rear tip Underside of head upper teeth serrated and notched on Size both sides Max.: 295 cm TL Upper and lower tooth 49 Carcharhinus perezi (Poey, 1876) – Requin de récif CCV Tiburón coralino Origin of 1st 1st dorsal fin A ridge on dorsal fin over or moderately high back between slightly anterior and falcate dorsal fins to pectoral–fin free rear tip

snout short and rounded, preoral length 1.0–1.1 times internarial width Colour: upper body dark grey or grey– Size brown, white below; Max.: 295 cm TL undersides of paired Mat.: ♂ 152–168 cm TL, fins, anal and ventral ♀ 200–295 cm TL caudal–fin lobe dusky. Birth: 70–73 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head upper teeth serrated and notched on both sides Upper and lower tooth Photo: Brian Gratwicke - Flickr

30 m

50 Similar species

Carcharhinus plumbeus See also page 52 Upper teeth 1st dorsal fin A low ridge on back broadly triangular very large and between dorsal fins and serrated high Upper and lower tooth

snout broadly parabolic, preoral length 0.9–1.3 times Origin of 1st dorsal internarial width Size fin over pectoral–fin Max.: 239 cm TL insertion Underside of head Carcharhinus galapagensis 1st dorsal fin higher, A ridge on back upper its origin on top of between dorsal fins teeth nearly pectoral–fin inner triangular margin in shape and serrated Upper and lower tooth

Snout longer and rounded, preoral body not stocky or length 1.0–1.3 times Size specially heavy internarial width Max.: 370 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus leucas See also page 46 upper teeth No ridge on back large, broadly between dorsal fins triangular, and heavily serrated

Upper and lower tooth Snout very short and broadly rounded, preoral length 0.7–1.0 times Size Body stocky internarial width Max.: 340 cm TL Underside of head 51 Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827) – Requin gris CCP Tiburón trozo

Origin of 1st dorsal 1st dorsal fin a low ridge on fin over pectoral–fin very large, fin back between insertion height about 1/2 dorsal fins predorsal space

snout broadly pectoral fins parabolic, preoral Body stocky large length 0.9–1.3 times internarial width Colour: upper body grey Size to grey–brown, underside Max.: 239 cm TL white; posterior edges of Mat.: ♂ 131–178 cm TL, fins often dusky; a faint ♀ 144–183 cm TL white band on flank. Birth: 56–75 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head upper teeth broad, high, triangular and serrated

Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramón Bonfil

280 m

52 Similar species

Carcharhinus altimus upper teeth 1st dorsal fin not as large, with longer fin height much less than A high ridge on back blades 1/2 predorsal space between dorsal fins Upper and lower tooth

Snout long and rounded, preoral length 1.3–1.4 times internarial width Size Max.: 300 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus obscurus 1st dorsal fin much Origin of 1st dorsal fin smaller, fin height on top or in front of much less than 1/2 pectoral–fin rear tips predorsal space Upper and lower tooth

Snout broadly rounded, preoral length 1.0–1.4 times Size internarial width Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus leucas See also page 46 1st dorsal fin much smaller, fin height much less than 1/2 No ridge on back predorsal space between dorsal fins Upper and lower tooth

Snout very short and broadly rounded, preoral length 0.7– 1.0 times internarial Size stocky body width Max.: 340 cm TL Underside of head 53 Carcharhinus porosus (Ranzani, 1839) Smalltail shark – Requin tiqueue CCR Tiburón poroso

Origin of 1st dorsal fin over No ridge on back Origin of 2nd dorsal fin pectoral–fin inner margin between dorsal over or slightly behind fins anal–fin mid–base

snout long and moderately pointed, Base of anal fin without preoral length 1.2–1.8 two long pre–anal ridges times internarial width

Colour: upper body Size grey, underside light; tips Max.: 134 cm TL of pectoral, dorsal and Mat.: ♂ 72–78 cm TL, labial caudal fins frequently ♀ 84 cm TL furrows not Birth: 31–40 cm TL noticeable dusky or blackish. CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head upper teeth strongly serrated, with a strongly oblique cusp

Upper and lower tooth Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

36 m

54 Similar species Carcharhinus acronotus See also page 42 Origin of 1st dorsal fin over pectoral–fin free rear tip dark spot on tip of snout

upper teeth higher, with erect blades deeply notched on inner side

Size Underside of head Upper and lower tooth Max.: 200 cm TL Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40 Origin of 1st dorsal fin over or behind pectoral–fin free rear tip

upper and lower teeth small, strongly upper labial oblique, furrows long and and without noticeable serrations Base of anal fin Upper and lower tooth with two strong Size Underside of head pre–anal ridges Max.: 110 cm TL 55 Carcharhinus signatus (Poey, 1868) – Requin de nuit CCS Tiburón nocturno

1st dorsal fin relatively small, a ridge on back origin over or just behind between dorsal fins pectoral–fin free rear tip

snout very long Colour: upper body Size and narrowly Max.: 280 cm TL rounded, dark grey, greyish preoral length brown, or bluish black Mat.: ♂ 160–190 cm TL, 1.7–1.9 times (in life); underside ♀ 159–194 cm TL internarial greyish or white. Birth: 60–72 cm TL width Underside of head CARCHARHINIDAE upper teeth with large oblique cusp and strong cusplets on the base Upper and lower tooth Photo: Ramón Bonfil

600 m

56 Similar species upper teeth strongly notched in one side, Carcharhinus falciformis See also page 44 lightly notched in the Origin of 1st dorsal fin other, with heavily well behind pectoral–fin serrated cusps and large rear tip serrations on bases Upper and lower tooth

Snout shorter, preoral length 1.2–1.6 times internarial width Size Max.: 330 cm TL Underside of head Carcharhinus obscurus upper teeth nearly triangular Origin of 1st dorsal fin in shape and on top or in front of serrated pectoral–fin rear tip Upper and lower tooth

Snout shorter, preoral length 1.0–1.4 times internarial width Size Max.: 400 cm TL Underside of head Rhizoprionodon porosus See also page 40 teeth not Origin of 2nd dorsal serrated, with fin over anal fin strongly oblique mid–base cusps Upper and lower tooth

Snout shorter and broader Size Max.: 110 cm TL Underside of head 57 Carcharhinus longimanus (Poey, 1861) CITES – Requin océanique OCS Tiburón oceánico App. II 1st dorsal fin very large, a low ridge on Black spots, broadly rounded, with back between all fading in white blotches on tip dorsal fins adults

lower lobe of caudal fin often snout short, with white broadly rounded blotch preoral length pectoral fins very long, 1.0 to 1.1 times 19–29% of TL, broad and internarial width broadly rounded, with Size white blotches on tips Max.: 395 cm TL Colour: upper body Mat.: ♂ 175–198 cm TL, dark grey to brown, ♀ 180–200 cm TL underside whitish. Birth: 60–65 cm TL

CARCHARHINIDAE Underside of head upper teeth large, triangular and coarsely serrated

Upper and lower tooth Photo: NOAA

1082 m 58 Squatina dumeril Lesueur, 1818 – Ange de mer de sable SUD Tiburón ángel gill slits on the side behind head not fused head, not on the underside with pectoral fins back without dark spots, rings or markings

body flattened like a ray Size mouth all the Max.: 152 cm TL way in front of Colour: upper body bluish Mat.: ♂ 93 cm TL, the head grey or ashy grey when ♀ 86 cm TL fresh; underside white. Birth: 25–30 cm TL SQUATINIDAE

Frontal view of head

Photo: NOAA

1290 m 59 pectinata Latham, 1794 CITES Smalltooth – Poisson-scie tident RPP Pejepeine App. I

Snout with a long, flat, relatively Origin of 1st dorsal fin narrow rostrum surrounded by above pelvic–fin origins large ‘teeth’ on both sides

Caudal fin with no 20-30 ‘teeth’ on each lower lobe, or weakly side of rostrum developed lower lobe

Size Max.: 550 cm TL Colour: upper body greyish brown, Mat.: ♂ 370 cm TL, olive-brown or blackish brown; ventral ♀ 415 cm TL PRISTIDAE surface white to greyish white. Birth: 69–84 cm TL

Photo: Ramón Bonfil

88 m

60 Pez com sierra Common sawfish– commun Poisson–scie Pristis pristis pristis Pristis wide rostrum surrounded bywide large S 1 nout along, with flat, relatively 4-23 ‘teeth’ on each side ofside rostrum ‘teeth’ on sides both ú (Linnaeus, 1758) (Linnaeus, whitish. brownish, underside uniformily Colour: P n hoto: D upper uniformily body ean Thorburnean O well in front pelvic–fin well infront pelvic–fin rigin of 1st dorsal fin ofrigin 1st fin dorsal Birth: 73–80cmTL Birth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 700 cmTL Size 300cmTL origins ♂ 280–300 C developed lower lobe RPR audal fin with with a withwithaudal fin cm TL, CITES App. I App. 26 m

61 PRISTIDAE percellens (Walbaum, 1792) Chola – Poisson–guitare chola GUD Guitarra chola Pectoral fins fused to head into a wedge–shaped Tail shark–like structure

Upper body coloration usually with whitish spots about equal to eye diameter Colour: upper body olive grey rostral not to brown or reddish, with darker Size expanded near tip brown blotches occasionally Max.: 100 cm TL present, and cream coloured Mat.: ♂ 55 cm TL, spots about equal to eye diameter; ♀ 58 cm TL

RHINOBATIDAE underside pale yellowish. Birth: 20 cm TL

Dorsal view of head

Photo: D. Ross Robertson, www.stri.org/sfgc

110 m

62 Similar species enlarged tubercles on Rhinobatos lentiginosus dorsal side of snout (except small juveniles) rostral cartilage expanded near tip and spatula-shaped

Dorsal surface ash-grey to Size chocolate brown, with numerous Max.: 76 cm TL very small white spots Dorsal view of head

Pristis pectinata See also page 60

Snout with a long, flat, relatively narrow rostrum surrounded by large ‘teeth’ on both sides

20-30 ‘teeth’ on each side of rostrum Size Max.: 550 cm TL Pristis pristis See also page 61 Snout with a long, flat, wide rostrum surrounded by large ‘teeth’ on both sides

14-23 ‘teeth’ on each side of rostrum Size Max.: 700 cm TL 63 64 Raya látigoRaya americana Southern –Pastenague américaine americanaDasyatis s T DASYATIDAE triangular a small tubercles or or tubercles nout not forming noticeable noticeable ail without without ail protuberance thorns l about asheight of asdeep tail ongitudinal fin-fold tail under laterally expanded, laterally expanded, about as wide as as about aswide P elvic fins not fins not elvic Hildebrand and Schroeder, 1928 long A of angular disc nterior margin rhomboidal rhomboidal in shape L D p ateral view ateral view distance 2 timesdistance isc isc between 1 and 1and between reorbital length disc narrowly narrowly disc between eyes between of tail corners of rounded O uter uter

P Birth: 17–18cmDWBirth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 150cmDW Size hoto: D. Robertson Ross 75–80cmDW grey or brown margins. Underside white with snout infront of eyes. spot onpale of midline brown, grey, or olive, with Colour: ♂ 51 RDA cm DW, upper body light upper light body 53 m Similar species Dasyatis guttata See also page 66 Dasyatis centroura snout forming a small triangular protuberance

Lateral view of tail broad patch of blunt tubercles on back, from eyes to Tail with tail (larger juveniles longitudinal noticeable and adults) fin-fold under tail tubercles or about half as deep thorns as height of tail Size Size Max.: 200 cm DW Max.: 210 cm DW Dasyatis geijskesi

preorbital length snout long more than 4 times and narrowly distance between eyes pointed

Outer corners of disc broadly rounded

Pelvic fins greatly Size expanded laterally, more Max.: 150 cm DW than twice as wide as long 65 66 Raya-látigo hocicona stingray –PastenagueLongnose longnez Dasyatis guttataDasyatis s DASYATIDAE triangular small nout forming a protuberance T tubercles or or tubercles noticeable noticeable ail without without ail thorns l about asheight of asdeep tail ongitudinal fin-fold tail under (Bloch and Schneider,(Bloch 1801) tail (larger juveniles (largertail juveniles back, from eyes to fromback, to eyes blunt tubercles on b road patch of and adults) L A ateral view ateral view of angular disc nterior margin of tail D isc rhomboidal rhomboidal isc in shape p distance 2 timesdistance disc narrowly narrowly disc between 1 and 1and between reorbital length between eyes between corners of rounded O P uter uter hoto: D. Rosswww.stri.org/sfgc Robertson, Birth: 12–15cmDWBirth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 200cmDW Size

50–55cmDW ridge of black. tail underside whitish; keel and uniform or with dark spots; brown, or olive, either Colour: ♂ 41–46 RDU upper grey, body cm DW, 36 m Similar species Dasyatis say schmardae Anterior margin Dorsal surface Anterior margin of Preorbital length of disc broadly uniformly covered disc nearly straight or shorter than angular with numerous small evenly convex distance between tubercles spiracles

Outor corners of disc broadly Underside of tail rounded with a very low and indistinct keel

Size Size Max.: 100 cm DW Max.: 120 cm DW

Pteroplatytrygon violacea Anterior margin of disc evenly convex

Dorsal surface nearly naked

Underside of tail with a high fin-fold, usually Size taller than tail Max.: 80 cm DW 67 narinari (Euphrasen, 1790) Spotted – Aigle de mer leopard MAE Chucho pintado A narrowly parabolic Disc rhomboidal or subrostral lobe in diamond-shaped front of head Colour: upper body grey to brown, with variable whitish spots (rounded, elliptical, or annular); underside white.

Size Max.: 230 cm DW Mat.: ♂ 100-115 cm DW, A small dorsal ♀ 150–160 cm DW fin between the Birth: 18–36 cm DW pelvic fins

Head elevated from disc MYLIOBATIDAE Dental plate with a single series of large teeth

Eyes and spiracles Lateral view on sides of head of head

Photo: D. Ross Robertson Teeth

60 m

68 Similar species freminvillii Myliobatis goodei See also page 70 Sub-rostral Upper body not covered Sub-rostral lobe broadly with noticeable whitish lobe broadly parabolic spots, rings or irregular arched and blotches; at most a few short diffuse small spots

Upper body uniformly chocolate Dorsal fin close brown to greyish, behind the not covered with posterior margins whitish spots, rings of pelvic fins or irregular blotches

Dental plate with Dental plate with more than 1, usually more than 1, usually 7 rows of teeth 7 rows of teeth Size Size Teeth Max.: 86 cm DW Teeth Max.: 99 cm DW Gymnura micrura Head not elevated and Disc extremely differentiated from disc wide, at least Eyes and 1.5 times wider spiracles on than long dorsal side

Tail without Size any serrated An extremely Max.: 120 cm DW spines small tail 69 70 Raya Raya ray Southern eagle Myliobatis goodei

MYLIOBATIDAE D diamond-shaped E isc rhomboidal or rhomboidal or isc on of sides head posterior margins yes and spiracles fin far behind the behindfin farthe H A ead elevated elevated ead from disc small dorsal dorsal small á pelvic fins pelvic guila chata guila L ateral view ateral view of head Garman, 1885 1, usually 7rows 1, usually with morewith than D ental plate of teeth short, infrontshort, of head T broadly arched and eeth A subrostral lobe, P hoto: www.boldystems.org edges on disc. brownish white with dusky without spots; underside chocolate brown to greyish, Colour: Colour: Birth: N/A Birth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 99cmDW Size N/A ♂ 45 upper uniformly body MYO cm DW, N/A Similar species Myliobatis freminvillii Aetobatus narinari See also page 68 Sub-rostral lobe Upper body light Sub-rostral lobe Upper body longer and broadly longer and broadly covered with white parabolic brown and covered with faint small spots parabolic spots, rings or irregular-shaped blotches

Dorsal fin Dorsal fin A single series close behind between the of large teeth the posterior pelvic fins in each jaw margins of pelvic fins

Size Size Max.: 86 cm DW Teeth Max.: 230 cm DW Teeth Gymnura micrura Head not elevated and Disc extremely differentiated from disc wide, at least Eyes and 1.5 times wider spiracles on than long dorsal side

Tail without any serrated Size An extremely spines Max.: 120 cm DW small tail 71 72 Mancha ray –Mourine amCownose é bonasus bonasus Rhinoptera lobe deeply divide in in divide deeply lobe two, infront of head

RHINOPTERIDAE A or diamond- short sub-rostral short sub-rostral rhomboidal rhomboidal usually 7rowsusually of teeth, D and only one central shaped row teeth of wider ental plate 6-8, with D isc isc A fin between between fin small dorsal dorsal small pelvic fins pelvic (Mitchill, 1815) T eeth H ead elevated elevated ead from disc ricaine sides ofsides head spiracles on E yes and yes and P hoto: G Birth: 25–40cmDWBirth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 107cmDW Size white to yellowish. yellowish-brown; underside uniformly olive-brown to Colour: eorge Burgess 75–85cmDW ♂ 64–70 dorsal surface dorsal surface MRB cm DW, 22 m Similar species Rhinoptera brasiliensis Myliobatis goodei See also page 70 Sub-rostral lobe broadly arched and short, not divided in two

Dorsal fin far behind Dental plate with 8–10, the posterior usually 9 rows of teeth, margins of including 3 rows of pelvic fins wider central teeth

Size Teeth Size Max.: 102 cm DW Max.: 99 cm DW Myliobatis freminvilii Upper body Sub-rostral lobe covered with faint narrowly parabolic, small light spots not divided in two

Dorsal fin behind the posterior margins of Size pelvic fins Teeth Max.: 86 cm DW 73 74 Manta gigante Manta Giant manta g –Mante Manta birostris D

MOBULIDAE diamond-shaped, isc rhomboidal or rhomboidal or isc 2.2–2.3 times as 2.2–2.3 timesas inside a cartilage acartilage inside capsule, behind capsule, behind wide aslong wide A small spine spine small dorsal fin dorsal U nderside ofnderside head W hip-like hip-like tail (Walbaum, 1792) é M ante outh infront of head A small dorsal dorsal small pelvic–fin pelvic–fin fin beforefin origins H than 17% of disc than 17% of disc width, with two two with width, cephalic fins on fins cephalic on ead broad,ead more the sides P hoto: Jon Hanson -F Birth: 100cmDWBirth: ♀ Mat.: Max.: 700cmDW Size 413cmDW ♂ 380 cm DW, fins. posterior edge of pectoral duskywide bands on Underside white, with tips. on fin pectoral on dorsalwhite fin; edges V-shaped patch infront white ‘shoulder’ patches; black to charcoal grey; Colour: RMB lickr upper body App. II CITES 1000 m Similar species Mobula hypostoma

Preoral length less than 4.0 % of disc Head narrower, width less than 17% of disc width Disc narrower, Upper body 1.7-2.0 times as without white wide as long patches

Mouth not reaching front of head

One or two dusky bands on Size much back just behind smaller anterior margin of head No spine behind Size dorsal fin Max.: 120 cm TL Underside of head Mobula tarapacana Head narrower, Preoral length equal less than 17% of or more than 5.0 % disc width of disc width No dusky bands on Disc narrower, back just behind 1.5–1.75 times as anterior margin of wide as long head

Upper body without white Mouth not reaching patches front of head

Size smaller

Size No spine behind Max.: 305 cm TL dorsal fin Underside of head 75 SHARK SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE Order Family HEXANCHIDAE HEXANCHIFORMES Hexanchus griseus - Bluntnose sixgill shark Pag. 10

Family SQUALIDAE Order Squalus cubensis - Cuban dogfish Pag. 12 SQUALIFORMES Squalus mitsukurii - Pag. 13

Family ALOPIIDAE Alopias superciliosus - Bigeye thresher Pag. 14 Alopias vulpinus - Thresher Pag. 15 Order Family LAMNIDAE Carcharodon carcharias - Pag. 16 Isurus oxyrinchus - Shorfin mako Pag. 18 Isurus paucus - Longfin mako Pag. 19

Family GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE Order Ginglymostoma cirratum - Nurse shark Pag.Pag. 20 ORECTOLOBIFORMES Family RHINCODONTIDAE Rhincodon typus - shark Pag. 21 Family TRIAKIDAE Mustelus canis - Dusky smooth-hound Pag. 22 Mustelus higmani - Smalleye smooth-hound Pag. 24 Family SPHYRNIDAE Sphyrna lewini - Scalloped hammerhead Pag. 26 Order Sphyrna mokarran - Great hammerhead Pag. 28 CARCHARHINIFORMES Sphyrna tiburo - Bonnethead Pag. 30 Sphyrna tudes - Smalleye hammerhead Pag. 32 Family CARCHARHINIDAE Galeocerdo cuvier - Pag. 34 Prionace glauca - Blue shark Pag. 35 Negaprion brevirostris - Lemon shark Pag. 36 76 Rhizoprionodon lalandii - Brazilian sharpnose Pag. 38 Rhizoprionodon porosus - Caribbean sharpnose Pag. 40 Carcharhinus acronotus - Blacknose shark Pag. 42 Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark Pag. 44 Carcharhinus leucas - Bull shark Pag. 46 Order Carcharhinus limbatus - Blacktip shark Pag. 48 CARCHARHINIFORMES Carcharhinus perezi - Caribbean reef shark Pag. 50 Carcharhinus plumbeus - Sandbar shark Pag. 52 Carcharhinus porosus - Smalltail shark Pag. 54 Carcharhinus signatus - Oceanic whitetip shark Pag. 56 Carcharhinus longimanus - Blacktip shark Pag. 58

Order Family SQUATINIDAE SQUATINIFORMES Squatina dumeril - Sand devil Pag. 59 RAY SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE Family PRISTIDAE Order Pristis pectinata - Pag. 60 PRISTIFORMES Pristis pristis - Common sawfish Pag. 61 Order Family RHINOBATIDAE RHINOBATIFORMES Rhinobatos percellens - Chola guitarfish Pag. 62 Family DASYATIDAE Dasyatis americana - Pag. 64 Dasyatis guttata - Pag. 66 Family MYLIOBATIDAE Order Aetobatus narinari - Pag. 68 Myliobatis goodei - Pag. 70 Family RHINOPTERIDAE Rhinoptera bonasus - Pag. 72 Family Manta birostris - Giant manta Pag. 74 77 This identification guide includes a selection of shark and ray species occurring in the Wider Caribbean Region, that is the waters of the , , and the waters of the adjacent thereto. In total, 41 shark and 20 ray species are included. These species were selected because of their relevance to commercial fisheries or vulnerability to exploitation due to their life history characteristics. Of these, 29 shark and 9 ray species are presented in a full species card and depicted with a colour illustration and photo. Short accounts of 12 shark and 11 ray species that are less common in the region and could be misidentified with more common species, are also included.

This guide is intended to help fishery workers collecting catch data in the field in the identification of the sharks and rays they might encounter for the specific purpose of improving the quality of catch and landings data. The guide is expected to be useful also for fisheries inspectors, observers and enforcement officers of the navy, coastguard and customs.

ISBN 978-92-5-109245-3

9 789251 092453 I5691E/1/05.16