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Guide to 69 JAWLESS he hagfishes and their relatives, the lampreys (Order Petromyzontiformes, not found in ), are Tdifferent from all other living fishes because they lack true jaws. Their internal skeleton is cartilaginous, and they lack true teeth and true vertebrae. These jawless fishes are included in the Superclass Agnatha and are commonly referred to as cyclostomes. All other living fishes (, rays, chimeras, and bony fishes) possess true jaws derived from gill arches and are placed in the Superclass Gnathostomata. Cyclostomes are considered primitive compared to other that possess jaws. Hagfishes are easily recognized from their eel-like body form, apparent lack of eyes (they are small and covered with skin), lack of paired fins, a single nostril surrounded by 2 pairs of barbels, and a mouth with horny teeth and a on each side. They are of no commercial interest but can be a nuisance to fisher- men; when caught on hooks they profusely secrete a slime that acts as a repellent. The hagfishes comprise a single family, with 2 species reported from Namibia.

Order MYXINIFORMES - Hagfishes 6 pairs of gill openings on ventral Eptatretus hexatrema (Müller, 1834) slime pores surface MYXINIDAE FAO names: En - Sixgill hagfish; Fr - Myxine à six trous; Sp - Pez moco de seis agallas. Local names: Seskief-slymslang (Ak). Size: To 80 cm. : Incidentally caught by baited traps, baited hooks, and occasionally caught in bot- tom trawls. Habitat and biology: Commonly burrows in muddy bottoms at depths from 20 to 400 m. Feeds mostly by scavenging on dead or dis- abled fish. capsules with hooks on both ends. mouth after Smith and Heemstra, 1986

nostril

teeth ventral view of head

Myxine capensis Regan, 1913 MYXINIDAE slime pores FAO names: En - Cape hagfish; Fr - Myxine du Cap; Sp - Pez moco del Cabo. Local names: Size: To 40 cm. Fisheries: Incidentally caught by baited traps, baited hooks, and occasionally caught in bot- tom trawls. Habitat and biology: Burrows in muddy bot- toms at depths from 175 to 460 m. Feeds mostly by scavenging on dead or disabled fish.

1 pair of gill openings

ventral surface 70 Sharks SHARKS ased mostly on the work of Compagno (1984, 1985, 1989, and 1991), about 46 species in 15 families of Bsharks are reported from Namibia. All these sharks are likely to be encountered in 1 or more of the bottom trawl, purse seine, longline, line, and pole-and-line fisheries of Namibia. We include all species in the “Guide to Species,” except those of questionable records. In addition, we include in the Appendix a checklist of species that includes a list of our sources for species records. This checklist is intended as a working list from which researchers in Namibia may more accurately assess and study their resources. All families that are likely to occur are also treated in the “Guide to Orders and Families” and it is recommended that this preliminary guide be consulted before attempting to determine the species, since many important characters listed in the family guide are not repeated in the “Guide to Species.”

TECHNICAL TERMS AND MEASUREMENTS (Straight-line distances) terminal lobe 2nd upper 1st dorsal precaudal lobe eye with fin pit nictitating lower fin spine keel eyelid interdorsal space snout sub- terminal notch insertion of fin inner margin of free rear tip inner corner nostril caudal fin caudal anal fin peduncle lower mouth labial folds lobe rear margin clasper (male sex organ) gill slits pectoral fin

length of pectoral fin

head trunk tail

gill slits nostril precaudal tail snout anal fin caudal fin

trunk

vent preanal ridges mouth pelvic fin (female, no claspers)

pectoral fin

total length (caudal fin depressed to body axis) Guide to Orders and Families 71

spiracle eye preoral diameter length

interorbital internasal mouth space distance width

preoral length head (ventral view) head (lateral view) head (dorsal view) posterior tip apex terminal lobe upper (dorsal) lobe spine terminal dorsal margin margin posterior margin upper origin subterminal margin subterminal notch anterior margin upper postventral margin free rear posterior notch tip base lower origin lower postventral margin ventral tip fin origin insertion preventral margin inner lower (ventral) lobe margin dorsal fin caudal fin

anterior nasal flap lifted excurrent aperture fin insertion inner margin free rear tip nasoral groove

base mouth symphyseal groove fin origin anterior nasal flap posterior incurrent margin aperture lower labial furrow anterior margin circumnarial groove circumnarial fold upper labial furrow barbel pectoral fin apex head of an orectoloboid shark (ventral view)

upper eyelid labial furrow

notch incurrent aperture anterior nictitating nasal flap lower eyelid posterior nasal flap labial fold secondary excurrent aperture lower eyelid subocular pocket mouth corner nostril eye 72 Sharks

Order - Cow and Frill Sharks Six or 7 pairs of gill slits and a single dorsal fin; anal fin present. Two families found in Namibia.

1 DORSAL FIN lower ends of 1st gill HEXANCHIDAE slits from right and Page 76 left sides do not join Cow sharks on throat Three species in 3 genera found in Namibia. Mostly demersal, from shallow depths to 1 800 m. Size to 4.8 m.

6-7 GILL SLITS

caudal fin notched

PECTORAL FINS NOT ANAL FIN PRESENT GREATLY ENLARGED CHLAMYDOSELACHIDAE Page 77 Frill sharks One species worldwide, also found in Namibia. Demersal to depths of about 1 300 m. Size to almost 2 m. lower ends of 1st gill slits from right and left sides join on throat 6 gill slits caudal fin not notched

Chlamydoselachus anguineus

Order LAMNIFORMES - Mackerel Sharks Five pairs of gill slits; 2 dorsal fins without spines; anal fin present; no movable nictitating eyelid. Four families reported from Namibia. NO MOVABLE NICTITATING EYELID

ODONTASPIDIDAE 2 DORSAL FINS Page 77 Ragged-tooth sharks One species reported from Namibia. Neritic, in shallow water down to around 200 m. Size to 3.2 m. gill slits not nearly encircling head 5 GILL SLITS upper caudal lobe not ANAL FIN greatly elongate but PECTORAL FINS NOT PRESENT lower lobe much GREATLY ENLARGED shorter than upper lobe taurus

LAMNIDAE Page 77 Mackerel sharks upper lobe much less than half of total length At least 2 species in 2 genera likely to oc- cur in Namibia. Coastal and epipelagic, from the surface to depths of around 1 200 m. Size to 7.1 m.

gill slits not nearly encircling head upper and lower caudal lobes almost equal in length Guide to Orders and Families 73

CETORHINIDAE upper caudal lobe not greatly elongate, Basking sharks much less than half of total length One species worldwide, not yet officially reported from Namibia and not included in the “Guide to Species.” However, there is an unofficial report of a specimen entan- gled in a gillnet in Lüderitz lagoon in the late 1950’s (A. Kronitz, personal commu- nication). Coastal and on the . A filter feeder. Size to 15 m. Cetorhinus maximus gill slits nearly encircling head

ALOPIIDAE Page 78 Thresher sharks One species reported from Namibia and included in the “Guide to Species.” An- Alopias other species, Alopias superciliosus, (Lowe, 1839) is reported from and elongate upper lobe strays may eventually be found in north- of caudal fin ern Namibia. Oceanic and coastal, to depths of 500 m. Size to 6.1 m.

Order - Ground Sharks Five pairs of gill slits; 2 dorsal fins without spines; anal fin present; a movable nictitating eyelid. Four or possibly 5 families found in Namibia. MOVABLE NICTITATING LOWER EYELID

2 DORSAL FINS both dorsal-fin bases above SCYLIORHINIDAE head not greatly expanded or behind pelvic fins Page 78 laterally Four species and genera definitely re- ported from Namibia, all included in the “Guide to Species”; not included is an- other shown here, , with Holohalaelurus reports of 2 specimens of an undeter- mined species off Lüderitz and several 5 GILL SLITS PECTORAL FINS NOT ANAL FIN PRESENT other species occuring south of Namibia. GREATLY ENLARGED Mostly demersal from shallow inshore wa- ters to depths of 700 m. Size to 1.2 m.

Apristurus

Galeus 74 Sharks

1st dorsal-fin base in TRIAKIDAE front of pelvic fins precaudal pit absent Page 80 Hound sharks Four species in 3 genera found in Namibia (this family sometimes included under Carcharhinidae), all included in the “Guide to Species.” From inshore shallow depths to around 400 m. Size to about 2 m. head not greatly expanded laterally

1st dorsal-fin base in front of pelvic fins precaudal pit present Page 81 Weasel sharks One species found in Namibia (this family sometimes included as a subfamily in the Carcharhinidae), included in the “Guide to Species.” On continental shelf to a depth of 100 m. Size to 1.4 m. head not greatly expanded pectoralis laterally

spiral intestinal valve

CARCHARHINIDAE Page 81 Requiem sharks 1st dorsal-fin base in front precaudal pit present Three species in 2 genera listed from head not greatly expanded of pelvic fins Namibia, all included in the “Guide to Spe- laterally cies.” Neritic and oceanic pelagic to depths of 600 m. Size to 4 m.

rolled

unrolled

scroll type intestinal valve SPHYRNIDAE Hammerhead sharks Mostly tropical, not yet officially reported from Namibia, but some individuals sighted in Namibia; not included in the “Guide to Species.” Neritic and on conti- nental shelf from the surface to depths of 275 m. head greatly expanded Sphyrna lewini laterally

ventral view of head Guide to Orders and Families 75

Order - Dogfish Sharks Five pairs of gill slits; 2 dorsal fins, usually with spines in front of each fin; pectoral fins not greatly expanded; anal fin absent. Three families found in Namibia.

denticles not conspicuously origin of 1st dorsal fin behind 2 DORSAL FINS, USUALLY WITH enlarged front of pectoral fin but in SPINES IN FRONT OF EACH FIN Page 82 front of pelvic fin Dogfishes Seven genera and around 21 species reported from Namibia, 3 questionable species not included in the “Guide to Species.” Demersal and pelagic, to depths of over 2 000 m. Size to 1.6 m. Genera in this family may eventually be recognized in differ- ANAL FIN ABSENT ent families as follows: and Squalus in ; and 5 PAIRS OF PECTORAL FINS NOT in ; and in GILL SLITS GREATLY EXPANDED .

Etmopterus Centrophorus

Deania OXYNOTIDAE origin of 1st dorsal fin near high, sail-like dorsal fins Page 88 front of pectoral-fin base Rough sharks One species in Namibia, included in the “Guide to Species.” Demersal from depths of 60 to 660 m. Size to 1.5 m.

skin denticles not conspicuously enlarged centrina

both dorsal fins situated skin denticles conspicuously over pelvic fins ECHINORHINIDAE enlarged Page 88 Bramble sharks One genus with 1 species in Namibia, in- cluded in the “Guide to Species.” Demersal from shallow depths to 900 m. Size to 3.1 m. brucus

Order SQUATINIFORMES - Angel Sharks Five pairs of gill slits; 2 spineless dorsal fins; anal fins absent; pectoral fins greatly expanded along sides of head as a free triangular lobe. One family and genus found in Namibia.

ENLARGED PECTORAL FINS anterior edge of pectoral SQUATINIDAE fin not attached pelvic fins Page 88

Angel sharks 2 SPINELESS DORSAL FINS Two species reported from Namibia, both included in the “Guide to Species.” On continental slope and shelf between depths of 30 and 500 m. Size to 1.9 m. mouth terminal ANAL FIN ABSENT spiracle

5 PAIRS OF GILL SLITS Squatina ventral view of head dorsal view 76 Sharks

Heptranchias perlo Rafinesque, 1810 (plate IX, 69) HEXANCHIDAE

orbit length greater than FAO names: En - Sharpnose sevengill shark; internarial distance Fr - Requin perlon; Sp - Cañabota bocadulce. Local names: Skerpneus-sewekiefhaai (Ak); Perlon, Spitzkopfsiebenkiemer (Gr). Size: To about 1.4 m. 7 gill slits Fisheries: None at present. Habitat and biology: Benthic, from depths of 50 to at least 1 000 m. Feeds on small fishes, , and other benthic .

upper and lower teeth of left side

Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) (plate II, 9) HEXANCHIDAE

FAO names: En - Bluntnose sixgill shark; Fr - Requin griset; Sp - Cañabota gris. Local names: Sixgill shark; Seskiefhaai (Ak); Grauhai, Sechskiemer (Gr). Size: To about 4.8 m. Fisheries: Taken occasionally with line gear and bottom trawls. 6 gill slits Habitat and biology: Found close to the bot- tom or pelagic, in the deeper part of the shelf and upper slope to at least 1 800 m. A vora- cious shark feeding on other sharks, rays, and bony fishes such as hake and pilchard.

upper and lower teeth of left side

Notorynchus cepedianus Garman, 1884 HEXANCHIDAE Synonyms: pectorosus (Garman, 1884). orbit length much shorter FAO names: En - Broadnose sevengill than internarial distance shark; Fr - Platnez; Sp - Cañabota gata. Local names: Platneus-sewekiefhaai (Ak). Size: To at least 2.9 m. Fisheries: Caught with line gear and by sport anglers. 7 gill slits Habitat and biology: A benthic, neritic spe- cies, found from near the shore to about a depth of 50 m. Sexual maturity is attained at 150 to 180 cm for males and 190 to 210 cm for females. Feeds on a wide variety of sharks, rays, and bony fishes. Aggressive, reported as dangerous to people.

upper and lower teeth of right side Guide to Species 77

Chlamydoselachus anguineus Garman, 1884 (plate IX, 70) CHLAMYDOSELACHIDAE

FAO names: En - ; Fr - Requin lezard; Sp - Tiburón anguila. Local names: Frill shark; Frilletjieshaai (Ak); Kragenhai, Krausenhai (Gr). Size: To about 2 m. Fisheries: Taken incidentally in bottom trawls and bottom longlines. Habitat and biology: Benthic, on the outer continental shelves and upper slopes, at depths between 120 and 1 300 m. ventral view of head upper and lower tooth

Carcharias taurus Rafinesque, 1810 ODONTASPIDIDAE Synonyms: Eugomphodus taurus (Rafinesque, 1810). FAO names: En - Sandtiger shark; Fr - Requin taureau; Sp - Toro bacota. Local names: Size: Up to 3.2 m. both dorsal fins and anal fin equally Fisheries: Caught occasionally by sport large and broad-based anglers. Flesh highly appreciated in . Habitat and biology: Coastal, from the surf zone and shallow bays to the deeper conti- nental shelf, near the bottom, in midwater or at the surface. Feeds on various bony fishes, sharks, rays, squid, , and lobsters. Con- sidered as harmless for man. upper and lower teeth from left side ventral view of head

Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758)

FAO names: En - Great white shark; strong keel Fr - Grand requin blanc; Sp - Jaquetón blanco. Local names: Witdoodshaai (Ak); Menschenhai, Weißhai (Gr). Size: To 7.1 m total length. Fisheries: So far not caught in Namibia. Habitat and biology: Primarily coastal, off continental as well as insular shelves, from colour dark brown-grey the surface to depths of more than 1 200 m; to black on back, abruptly white on belly often close inshore, penetrating into shallow snout short and conical bays. A very active, swift, and powerful shark, usually feared as the most dangerous of living sharks. Feeds on bony fishes, sharks, rays, seals, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, carrion, and a number of invertebrates such as squid, octopus, and crabs. Ovoviviparous, bears 7 ventral view of to 9 young. Worldwide it is considered rare, head and in Namibia it is classified as a “Specially Protected .”

upper and lower teeth from left side 78 Sharks

Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1809 (plate II, 10) LAMNIDAE

FAO names: En - Shortfin mako; Fr - Taupe strong keel bleu; Sp - Marrajo dientuso. Local names: Kortvin-mako (Ak); Mako, Makrelenhai (Gr). Size: To at least 4 m. Fisheries: Caught mainly in tuna longline snout long and caudal fin pointed lunate fisheries and occasionally by the swordfish . Habitat and biology: An extremely active colour brilliant blue on back and species, mainly epipelagic but also found at sides, abruptly white on belly depths of 100 to 150 m. Feeds on a wide vari- ety of prey, including scombrids, carangids, teeth long and sharks, and . pointed

ventral view of head upper and lower tooth

Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788) ALOPIIDAE FAO names: En - ; Fr - Renard; Sp - Zorro. eyes small, not visible Local names: Thintail thresher; on top of head Fynstert-sambokhaai (Ak); Drescher, Drescherhai, Fuchshai (Gr). Size: To at least 6 m. Fisheries: Tuna longlines. Caught occa- sionally in midwater trawls. Habitat and biology: On the continental shelf, in inshore waters, as well as far from the coast, from the surface to a depth of 350 m. Feeds on schooling fish, squid, and pelagic herded by the tail. Remarks: Alopias superciliosus occurs in Angola and may also eventually be reported from Namibia. It can be distinguished from A. vulpinus by the eyes which are larger and ex- tend onto the dorsal surface of the head.

Galeus polli Cadenat, 1959 (plate II, 11) SCYLIORHINIDAE

FAO names: En - African sawtail ; spiny crest of enlarged denticles Fr - Chien rape; Sp - Pintarroja africana. Local names: Size: To about 40 cm. Fisheries: Caught frequently in bottom trawls.

Habitat and biology: A bottom dwelling anal-fin base long shark, found on the upper continental shelf from depths of 200 to 700 m, associated with hakes, , rockfish, and squid.

dorsal view of head ventral view of head Guide to Species 79

Haploblepharus pictus (Müller and Henle, 1838) SCYLIORHINIDAE FAO names: En - Dark shyshark; Fr - Roussette no enlarged denticles sombre; Sp - Alitán obscuro. Local names: Donker skaamoog (Ak). Size: To about 55 cm. Fisheries: Occasionally caught by shore an- glers. Habitat and biology: An inshore, bot- nasal flaps greatly enlarged, overlapping mouth tom-dwelling shark, most common in sandy ar- eas but also in rocky areas. Feeds on small bottom-dwelling fish, crustaceans, and cephalo- pods. nostrils connected to mouth by grooves

partial front ventral view

Holohalaelurus regani (Gilchrist, 1922) (plate II, 12) SCYLIORHINIDAE no enlarged denticles FAO names: En - Izak catshark; Fr - Holbiche isard; Sp - Pejegato reticulado. head broad Local names: Izak; Izak (Ak). Size: To about 60 cm. Fisheries: Occasionally taken in commercial bottom trawlers as . Habitat and biology: A bottom-dwelling shark of the deeper continental shelf and up- numerous dark brown spots per slope, recorded from depths of about 150 on a yellowish body to over 700 m but mostly south of Lüderitz. Feeds on small bony fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Scavenges on carrion. lip grooves absent, nostrils separated from mouth

ventral view of head

Scyliorhinus capensis (Smith, 1838) SCYLIORHINIDAE FAO names: En - Yellowspotted catshark; no enlarged denticles Fr - Roussette à taches jaunes; Sp - Alitán de manchas amarillas. Local names: Geelspikkel-kathaai (Ak). Size: To 1.2 m. Fisheries: Rarely caught in bottom trawls. Habitat and biology: A demersal species, distinct yellow spots on found between depths of 30 and 420 m mostly dark grey body south of Lüderitz. Feeds commonly on small bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. only lower-lip grooves present

ventral view of head 80 Sharks

Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758) TRIAKIDAE FAO names: En - Tope shark; Fr - Requin-hâ; 2nd dorsal fin markedly smaller st Sp - Cazón. than 1 dorsal fin Local names: Soupfin shark; Sopvinhaai (Ak); Biethai, Hundshai (Gr). Size: To about 2 m. Fisheries: Caught in bottom and pelagic trawls as well as with longlines. Habitat and biology: A pelagic species of the continental shelf and upper slope, also occur- lower lobe very long ring near the bottom at depths of 2 to 470 m. Feeds on a wide variety of pelagic and demersal bony fishes such as pilchards, an- chovies, croakers, and breams, and bottom invertebrates such as crabs, , lob- sters, annelid worms, and sea snails. Sexual maturity is reached at about 10 years and at about 130 cm. ventral view of head upper and lower tooth

Mustelus mustelus (Linnaeus, 1758) TRIAKIDAE dorsal suface uniform grey or grey-brown, FAO names: En - Smooth-hound; Fr - Emissole sometimes with dark spots 2nd dorsal fin nearly as lisse; Sp - Musola. large as 1st dorsal fin Local names: Hondhaai (Ak); Südlicher Glatthai, Mittelmeer-Glatthai (Gr). Size: To about 1.7 m.

Fisheries: Caught in bottom trawls. Com- snout fairly monly taken by shore anglers. pointed upper lateral lip furrows equal to Habitat and biology: A bottom-living spe- or slightly larger than lower cies, sometimes also found in midwaters, mainly on the continental shelf but ranging to depths of at least 350 m, mostly in waters shallower than 50 m. Feeds mainly on crusta- ceans but also on cephalopods, bony fishes, teeth with low and carrion. crowns and weak cusps, arranged in a ventral view of head pavement upper and lower tooth

Mustelus palumbes Smith, 1957 (plate II, 13) numerous small white spots TRIAKIDAE on dorsal surface of body 2nd dorsal fin nearly as FAO names: En - Whitespotted smooth-hound; large as 1st dorsal fin Fr - Emissole palombe; Sp - Musola paloma. Local names: Witkol-houndhaai (Ak). Size: To 1.2 m. Fisheries: Occasionally caught by bottom trawlers. snout fairly pointed Habitat and biology: A demersal shark, oc- curring from the intertidal region to at least a depth of 360 m, on sand and gravel bottoms. Feeds on crabs and other invertebrates. upper lip furrows longer than lower

ventral view of head Guide to Species 81

Triakis megalopterus (Smith, 1849) TRIAKIDAE 2nd dorsal fin nearly as FAO names: En - Sharptooth ; black spots (absent in young) large as 1st dorsal fin Fr - Virli dentu; Sp - Tollo dentudo. Local names: Spotted gullyshark; Gespikkelde sloothaai (Ak). Size: Attains 1.6 m. Fisheries: Commonly caught by shore an- glers. snout short Habitat and biology: An inshore, bot- and blunt teeth with pointed cusps, tom-dwelling shark, mainly on sandy and rock arranged in pavement bottoms to a depth of about 50 m. Feeds on crabs, fishes, and small sharks.

ventral view of head teeth

Paragaleus pectoralis (Garman, 1906) HEMIGALEIDAE

FAO names: En - Atlantic weasel shark; height of 2nd dorsal fin more than Fr - Milandre jaune; Sp - Tiburón comadiza. half height of 1st dorsal fin Local names: Atlantiese weselhaai (Ak). Size: To about 1.4 m. Fisheries: A common catch of the industrial and artisanal fisheries of the Central Eastern Atlantic, probably occurring in northern horizontal, yellow stripes on Namibia. Caught in bottom trawls, with flanks (fading after death) longlines, and hook-and-line. Habitat and biology: On the continental shelf, to a depth of 100 m. Apparently spe- cialized in feeding on cephalopods.

upper and lower tooth ventral view of head

Carcharhinus brachyurus (Günther, 1870) CARCHARHINIDAE 1st dorsal fin closer to pectoral fins than to pelvic fins FAO names: En - Copper shark; Fr - Requin cuivre; Sp - Tiburón cobrizo. Local names: Koperhaai (Ak), Kupferhai (Gr). Size: To about 3 m. snout Fisheries: Taken in bottom trawls and by line broad gear. Also commonly taken by shore anglers and occasionally by purse seiners. Habitat and biology: Inhabits the continental shelf from the surfline to a depth of at least 100 m. Feeds on a variety of bony fishes, as well as on other elasmobranchs and inverte- brates. Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 5 years and a length of approximately 2.3 m. Although potentially dangerous to peo- upper and lower tooth ple, no attacks have been recorded in Namibia. ventral view of head 82 Sharks

Carcharhinus signatus (Poey, 1868) CARCHARHINIDAE rear tips elongated FAO names: En - Night shark; Fr - Requin de nuit; Sp - Tiburón nocturno. Local names: Size: To about 2.8 m. snout long and Fisheries: Caught with longlines and occa- pointed sionally in pelagic trawls. cusplets Habitat and biology: Coastal to semioceanic, prefers warm waters and there- fore mostly occurs in northern Namibia near the shelf edge, and occurs from the surface to a depth of 600 m. Feeds on bony fishes such as mackerels, flying fishes, butterfishes, and seabasses.

ventral view of head upper and lower tooth

Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) (plate II, 14) CARCHARHINIDAE

FAO names: En - ; Fr - Peau 1st dorsal fin about midway between bleue; Sp - Tiburón azul. pectoral and pelvic fins Local names: Blouhaai (Ak); Blauhai, Großer Blauhai (Gr). Size: To at least 4 m. Fisheries: A common oceanic shark, caught mainly with pelagic longlines but also on hook-and-line, pelagic trawls, and bottom trawls. A frequent bycatch of the swordfish fishery. Occasionally caught by purse seiners. Habitat and biology: A wide ranging, colour dark blue above, white below circumglobal oceanic shark, also occurring pectoral fins long near the coast, from the surface to a depth of and falcate about 150 m. Feeds on smaller bony fishes, cephalopods, small sharks, cetacean carrion, garbage, and seabirds.

Centrophorus granulosus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (plate II, 15) SQUALIDAE

FAO names: En - Gulper shark; no precaudal pit Fr - Squalechagrin commun; Sp - Quelvacho. Local names: Rauher Dornhai (Gr). Size: To about 1.5 m . Fisheries: Commonly caught with bottom trawls. Habitat and biology: A large, fairly common angular, tip usually deep-water shark of the outer continental long both upper and lower teeth shelf and upper slope, usually near the bot- broad, blade-like tom, between depths of 100 and 1 200 m. Feeds on hake, epigonids, and lantern fishes. Remarks: Reports of Centrophorus uyato in Namibia are attributable to this species. May be placed in a separate family, the Centrophoridae. upper and lower ventral view of head dermal denticles teeth Guide to Species 83

Centrophorus squamosus (Bonnaterre, 1788) (plate II, 16) SQUALIDAE no precaudal pit FAO names: En - ; Fr - Squale-chagrin de l’Atlantique; Sp - Quelvacho negro. Local names: Düsterer Dornhai (Gr). Size: To about 1.6 m. Fisheries: Caught with line gear and com- both upper and lower teeth angular, short tip broad, blade-like mon in bottom trawls. A bycatch of the deep- water fishery. rough, leaf-like Habitat and biology: Found both pelagic and near the bottom on the continental slope from depths of about 200 to over 2 000 m. Remarks: May be placed in the Centrophoridae

ventral view of head dermal denticles upper and lower tooth

Centroscyllium fabricii (Reinhardt, 1825) SQUALIDAE FAO names: En - ; Fr - Aiguillat noir; Sp - Tollo negro merga. Local names: Size: Probably to 1 m. in trawls, easily sheds scales Fisheries: Taken in bottom trawls and with line rounded giving a mottled appearance gear. A bycatch of the deep-water fishery. Habitat and biology: A schooling shark, fairly abundant from the edge of the continental shelf to depths of 1 600 m. teeth in both jaws not expanded and Remarks: May be placed in the Etmopteridae. blade-like, with narrow cusps

ventral view of head upper and lower teeth

Centroscymnus coelolepis Bocage and Capello, 1864 SQUALIDAE spines very small FAO names: En - ; no precaudal pit Fr - Pailona commun; Sp - Pailona. Local names: Size: To about 1.2 m. Fisheries: Caught in bottom trawls and with line gear. A bycatch of the deep-water fishery. Habitat and biology: A common, widely dis- rounded tributed deep-water shark, recorded at depths upper teeth snout short narrow, from 270 to over 3 000 m. lower teeth Remarks: May be placed in Somniosidae. broad and blade-like labial furrows short

ventral view of head upper and lower teeth 84 Sharks

Centroscymnus crepidater (Bocage and Capello, 1864) spines small SQUALIDAE no precaudal pit FAO names: En - Longnose ; Fr - Pailona à long nez; Sp - Sapata negra. Local names: Size: To 90 cm. Fisheries: Caught mainly in bottom trawls. A black overlapping scales bycatch of the deep-water fishery. rounded upper teeth narrow, gives black velvety lower teeth broad Habitat and biology: A fairly common shark appearance and blade-like snout long of the upper slope, recorded from depths of about 250 to over 1 000 m. Remarks: May be placed in Somniosidae labial furrows long, almost meeting

upper and lower ventral view of head dermal denticles teeth

Deania calcea (Lowe, 1839) (plate III, 17) distances between SQUALIDAE 1st dorsal fin low, bases of dorsal FAO names: En - ; Fr - Squale rounded, and long fins shorter than no precaudal pit snout length savate; Sp - Tollo pajarito. Local names: Size: To 1.1 m. Fisheries: Caught with pelagic and bottom trawls and with line gear. A bycatch of the deep-water fishery no low flap of skin Habitat and biology: Found on the deeper part teeth in both jaws broad, but differentiated, upper of the shelf and on the upper slope to about a teeth without cusplets depth of 1 500 m. Feeds on hatchetfishes, scaly dragonfishes, and shrimps. Remarks: May be placed in Etmopteridae

snout very long: distance from tip of snout to mouth much longer than distance from mouth to pectoral-fin origin

upper and lower teeth ventral view of head dermal denticles

Deania profundorum (Smith and Radcliffe, 1912) SQUALIDAE no precaudal pit FAO names: En - Arrowhead dogfish; Fr - Squale savate lutin; Sp - Tollo flecha. Local names: Size: To about 70 cm. Fisheries: Commonly caught in bottom trawls. A bycatch of the deep-water fishery Habitat and biology: Inhabiting the upper con- low flap of skin on snout very long, distance from tip of snout to ventral midline tinental slope, from depths of about 250 to mouth much longer than distance from 1800 m. Feeds on midwater fishes mouth to pectoral-fin origin (myctophids), cephalopods, and crustaceans. Remarks: May be placed in Centrophoridae. Guide to Species 85

Deania quadrispinosum (McCulloch, 1915) distances between bases SQUALIDAE of dorsal fins more than snout length no precaudal pit FAO names: En - Longsnout dogfish; 1st dorsal fin high, Fr - Squale-savate à long nez; Sp - Tollo angular, and short trompalarga. Local names: Size: To about 1.15 m. Fisheries: Occasionally caught in bottom trawls. no low flap of skin Habitat and biology: Occurs in the deeper part of the shelf and on the upper slope, from depths of about 150 to 750 m. Feeds primarily on bony fishes. Much less common than the 2 other species of Deania. Remarks: May be placed in Centrophoridae.

snout very long, distance from tip of snout to mouth much teeth in both jaws broad, longer than distance from but differentiated, upper mouth to pectoral-fin origin teeth without cusplets ventral view of head dermal denticle upper and lower teeth

Etmopterus cf. brachyurus Smith and Radcliffe, 1912 (plate IX, 71) SQUALIDAE

2nd dorsal fin and fin spine larger FAO names: En - Shorttail lanternshark; body very slim than 1st dorsal fin and spine Fr - Sagre porte-feu à queue courte; Sp - Tollo no precaudal pit lucero mocho. Local names: Size: To about 42 cm. Fisheries: Caught occasionally in bottom trawls. conspicuous lines of denticles on body Habitat and biology: Found near the bottom in ventral tail marking depths between 400 and 900 m. very prominent Remarks: Reports of E. lucifer are attributable upper teeth with secondary to this species since E. lucifer probably does cusplets, lower teeth larger, not occur in Southern . May be placed in broad and blade-like Etmopteridae. upper and lower tooth

Etmopterus “gracilispinis” Krefft, 1968 SQUALIDAE 2nd dorsal fin and fin spine larger FAO names: En - Broadbanded lanternshark; than 1st dorsal fin and spine no precaudal pit Fr - Sagre rubane; Sp - Tollo lucero bandoneado. Local names: Size: To about 35 cm. Fisheries: Caught incidentally in bottom trawls. upper teeth with denticles on sides of body secondary Habitat and biology: Bottom living, at depths randomly arranged cusplets, lower generally exceeding 600 m. conical teeth larger, broad, and Remarks: Reports of this species off South Af- blade-like rica are most likely attributable to the recently described E. compagnoi Fricke and Koch, 1990. So far this species has been recorded from just south of Namibia, but its occurrence in Namibia is probable. May be placed in Etmopteridae. dermal denticles upper and lower tooth 86 Sharks

Etmopterus pusillus (Lowe, 1839) SQUALIDAE 2nd dorsal fin and fin spine larger than 1st dorsal fin and spine FAO names: En - ; no precaudal pit Fr - Sagre nain; Sp - Tollo lucero liso. Local names: Size: To about 50 cm. Fisheries: Caught occasionally in bottom and midwater trawls. denticles not in regular rows Habitat and biology: Benthopelagic at depths between around 400 and 700 m. Remarks: Probably 2 species are lumped un- der this name. May be placed in Etmopteridae. upper teeth with secondary cusplets, lower low, flat teeth larger, broad, and blade-like

dermal denticles upper and lower tooth

Scymnodon squamulosus (Günther, 1877) fin spines small SQUALIDAE FAO names: En - Velvet dogfish; no precaudal pit Fr - Squale-grogneur veloute; Sp - Bruja terciopelo. Local names: Size: To about 70 cm. rounded strong sub- Fisheries: Occasionally caught in deep-water terminal bottom trawls. notch colour uniform black-brown Habitat and biology: Found on the upper conti- nental slope from depths of 430 to 900 m. A lit- tle known shark. upper teeth narrow, not blade-like, lower teeth broad, but with high Remarks: May be placed in Somniosidae. knife-cusped cutting teeth upper and lower teeth

Squalus acanthias Smith and Radcliffe, 1912 SQUALIDAE 1st dorsal-fin spine short, its FAO names: En - Spotted ; origin behind pectoral fin precaudal pit Fr - Aiguillat commun; Sp - Mielga. Local names: Spikkel-penhaai (Ak); Grundhai (Gr). Size: To about 1 m. Fisheries: Incidentally caught in bottom trawls and lateral keel no subterminal longlines. This species is heavily fished in the east- white spots on sides notch ern North Atlantic. Habitat and biology: Found from near the upper and lower teeth shore to at least a depth of 900 m, able to toler- similar in shape ate brackish water, usually near the bottom but often also appearing at the surface. Feeds on all bony fishes smaller than itself and a wide va- riety of invertebrates. Males attain sexual matu- rity at 50 cm, females at 60 cm. Gestation period is 2 years. Probably one of the most abundant living sharks. dermal denticle upper and lower tooth ventral view of head Guide to Species 87

Squalus blainvillei (Risso, 1826) SQUALIDAE FAO names: En - Longnose ; 1st dorsal-fin spine as long as fin base, its precaudal pit Fr - Aiguillat coq; Sp - Galludo. origin over pectoral fin Local names: Blainvilles Dornhai (Gr). Size: To about 1 m. Fisheries: Caught incidentally in bottom trawls and on line gear. Habitat and biology: Prefers muddy bottoms, from shallow inshore waters to at least a depth tip blunt no subterminal of 450 m. Feeds on bony fishes such as notch seabreams, mackerel, and percichthyids, and invertebrates such as crabs, lobsters, and cephalopods. upper and lower teeth similar in shape Remarks: There is some question concerning the validity of the name blainvillei for this spe- cies (Muños-Chapuli and Ramos, 1989), and reports of this species may be attributable to S. dermal denticle mitsukurii.

Squalus megalops (Macleay, 1881) (plate III, 18) 1st dorsal-fin spine shorter than SQUALIDAE fin base, over pectoral fin FAO names: En - ; precaudal pit Fr - Aiguillat nez court; Sp - Galludo ñato. Local names: Bluntnose spiny dogfish; Stompneus-penhaai (Ak). Size: To 70 cm. Fisheries: Commonly caught with bottom trawls. tip pointed Habitat and biology: A common and abundant dogfish forming dense and large schools, found on the outer continental shelf and upper slope at depths between 50 and 750 m. Feeds on bony fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, and other upper and lower elasmobranchs. Sexual maturity is attained at teeth similar in 42 cm in males and 55 cm in females; gestation shape period is 2 years. dermal denticles upper and lower tooth

Squalus mitsukurii Jordan and Snyder, 1903 SQUALIDAE 1st dorsal-fin spine much shorter FAO names: En - ; than fin base, over pectoral fin precaudal pit Fr - Aiguillat épinette; Sp - Galludo espinilla. Local names: Longnose spiny dogfish; Langneus-penhaai (Ak); Size: To 1.1 m. Fisheries: Caught in large numbers by trawl- ers and by kingklip longliners. tip blunt Habitat and biology: Moderately common offshore. Feeds on bony fishes, including hake, snoek, conger eels, and lantern fishes, and invertebrates such as squid, octopus, upper and lower teeth and crustaceans. similar in shape dermal denticle

upper and lower tooth 88 Sharks

Oxynotus centrina (Linnaeus, 1758) OXYNOTIDAE FAO names: En - Flatiron shark; Fr - Centrine du Cap; Sp - Cerdo marino del Cabo. Local names: Strykysterhaai (Ak); Meersau, Schweinhai (Gr). Size: To 1.5 m. Fishing gear: Rarely caught by large offshore- fleets. Habitat and biology: Found from depths of 60 to 660 m. Feeds on . trunk triangular in cross-section Remarks: Formerly O. shubnikovi which was thought to be distinct from this species, also oc- curring in the eastern North Atlantic and Medi- terranean.

large denticles Echinorhinus brucus Garman, 1884 (plate III, 19) ECHINORHINIDAE

FAO names: En - Bramble shark; Fr - Squale bouclé; Sp - Tiburón de clavos. Local names: Braamhaai (Ak); Alligatorhai, Nagelhai, Stachelhai (Gr). Size: To about 3.1 m. Fisheries: Occasionally caught in bottom trawls and line gear, rarely by shore anglers. Habitat and biology: A bottom-living species, found from shallow waters to a depth of about 900 m. Feeds on smaller sharks (spiny dog- fish), bony fishes, and crabs. ventral view of head dermal denticles

Squatina aculeata Dumeril, 1829 SQUATINIDAE FAO names: En - Sawback ; Fr - Ange large spines present on midline of back de mer épineux; Sp - Angelote espinudo. Local names: Engelhaai (Ak). Size: To 1.9 m. Fisheries: Taken in bottom trawls and on line gear. Habitat and biology: On the continental shelf and upper slope, between depths of 30 and 500 m, usually near the bottom. Feeds on small sharks and carangids. dorsal view

Squatina oculata Bonaparte, 1840 SQUATINIDAE FAO names: En - ; Fr - Ange de mer ocellé; Sp - Pez ángel. Local names: Engelhaai (Ak). Size: To 1.6 m. Fisheries: Occasionally caught in bottom trawls. Habitat and biology: Found on the continental shelf and upper slope, but mainly between 50 and 100 m. Feeds on small fishes. dorsal view

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