Key Guide to Lamnidae Key Guide T O L Amnid Ae Shark 45

Home , Bigeye thresher, Carcharias, Carcharodon, Common thresher, Crocodile shark, Isurus

KEY GUIDE TO LAMNIDAE

1a Upper teeth broadly triangular and serrated. First dorsal fin posterior margin convex Carcharodon carcharias, p.47 1b Upper teeth long, narrow, and without serrations. First dorsal fin posterior margin concave 2

Upper teeth broad, triangular Upper teeth long & First dorsal fin posterior margin convex– First dorsal fin posterior margin concave– & serrated– C. carcharias, p.47 narrow– Go to 2 C. carcharias, p.47 Go to 2

2a Origin of first dorsal fin erov base or inner margin of pectoral fins. Caudal peduncle with two keels. Teeth with small lateral cusplets  Lamna nasus p.53 2b Origin of first dorsal fin posterior to rear tip of inner margin of pectoral fins. No secondary keel on caudal peduncle. Teeth without small lateral cusplets 3, Isurus LAMNIDAE KEY GUIDE TO KEY TO GUIDE

Teeth with small lateral Teeth without small lateral Origin of first dorsal fin– Origin of first dorsal fin– Two keels– One keel– cusplets– L. nasus, p.53 cusplets– Go to 3 L. nasus, p.53 Go to 3 L. nasus, p.53 Go to 3

3a Pectoral fins length considerably less than head length. Anal fin origin under midbase of second dorsal fin  Isurus oxyrinchus, p.49 3b Pectoral fins length equal ot or greater than head length. Anal fin origin slightly behind second dorsal fin insertion  Isurus paucus, p.51

underside of snout underside of snout usually dusky white

Pectoral fins less than head Pectoral fins more than head Anal fin origin under midbase of Anal fin origin slightly behind second length– I. oxyrinchus, p.49 length– I. paucus, p.51 second dorsal– I. oxyrinchus, p.49 dorsal insertion– I. paucus, p.51 SHARK

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Lamnidae species comparison and look alikes

Carcharodon carcharias p.47 Galeocerdo cuvier p.25 KEY GUIDE TO LAMNIDAE

Isurus oxyrinchus p.49

Isurus paucus p.51 Prionace glauca p.27 SHARK

Lamna nasus p.53 Odantaspis ferox p.63 46

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 46 05/09/2014 14:29 FAO Pelagic Guide tothe Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 47 Tooth counts: upperjaw 23–29,lower jaw 21–25. more slenderthanuppers. similarinboth jawscoarsely serrated; except lowers Teeth large, erect,subtriangular, very withedges Dentition ● (Linnaeus, 1758) Carcharodon carcharias LAMNIFORMES Snout bluntlyconical, relatively shor ●

Large triangular, ser ● ●

often pr often spot Black axillary Mouth broadlyMouth rounded esent. rated, teeth. Teeth approximately size. actual t. ●

o First dorsalfinorigin usually ver innermargins. pectoral . © NOAA Fisheries, USA shaped caudalfin. keel, caudalandalarge crescent-anal fins, nosecondary firstdorsalfin,minute seconddorsaland erect, triangular body,A stout spindle-shaped withaconicalsnout,large Description Grand Blanc Requin White Shark Lamnidae: Mackerel sharks ●

Second dorsal fin insertion ov dorsalfininsertion Second slightly anterior toslightly anterior analfinorigin. ●

● anal finminut dorsalfinand Second

caudal peduncle Low on keels Birth size: 120–150cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 600–640cm. 450–500cm. Females mature: mature:Males 360–400cm. Size are aconspicuous black. Eyes on theirventral surfaces. fintipsusuallyabruptlyblack pectoral finsinsertion; atpectoral spot often demarcated.sharply Ablackaxillary transition from dorsal to ventral colour above, becomingwhite below; Grey, brownish-grey, to blue-grey Colour ●

secondary caudal keels absent. caudalkeels secondary Low oncaudalpeduncle keels er or e. . VU , LL 05/09/2014 14:29 WSH 47 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Carcharodon carcharias WSH Carcharodon carcharias White Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A relatively short conical snout; large erect first dorsal fin with convex posterior white below usually with a black axillary spot at pectoral fins insertion; large, margin, one high keel either side of caudal peduncle; back and sides grey, coarsely serrated, triangular teeth.

First dorsal and caudal fins, interdorsal and caudal Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin about over caudal fin crescent-shaped second dorsal & anal fins inner margin of pectoral fins minute upper labial no interdorsal ridge furrows minute

snout bluntly conical, relatively short

high keel on caudal peduncle gill slits long and first dorsal fin posterior margin convex all in front of second dorsal insertion pectoral fins origin Carcharodon carcharias White Shark forward of anal fin origin

first dorsal fin over base or first dorsal fin posterior second dorsal & anal fins inner margin of pectoral fins margin concave small free rear tip upper labial prominently white furrows distinct

acutely conical, relatively long

two keels on caudal peduncle second dorsal origin over/slightly Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark forward of anal fin origin

first dorsal fin over base or second dorsal & anal fins minute inner margin of pectoral fins first dorsal fin posterior margin concave upper labial furrows distinct snout acutely pointed, long

high keel on caudal peduncle second dorsal fin insertion over Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin origin slender caudal fin with second dorsal & anal fins medium over inner margin of an acutely pointed tip pectoral fins interdorsal ridge very prominent upper labial furrow very long

snout blunt and wide, short

low keel on caudal peduncle gill slits medium, two ahead of second dorsal origin slightly pectoral fins origin Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger Shark forward of anal fin origin 48

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp033-048 wide.indd 48 05/09/2014 14:29 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 49 Tooth counts: upperjaw 24–26,lower jaw 22–32. and more oblique. Teeth similarinbothjaws, narrow, slender, recurved Dentition ● ● Rafinesque, 1810 Isurus oxyrinchus LAMNIFORMES

cusps; anterior teeth recurved forward. teethcusps; anterior recurved Teeth withoutlat smooth-edged, Snout longandacutely pointed. ● and mouthmostlywhit ofsnout Ventral surface ●

posterior to finsfree pectoral rear tip. First dorsalfinorigin eral Teeth approximately size. actual e. over orjust © Charlene Da Silva (Department Agriculture, DaSilva© Charlene (Department Forestry, andFisheries, Africa) South crescent-shaped caudalfin. originating undermidbaseofseconddorsalfin,anda head length,ahigh,erectfirstdorsalfin,ananalfin finslessthan eyes less than33%snoutlength,pectoral large females),in very withalong, acutely pointed snout, Body moderately slenderto relatively robust (especially Description Shortfin Mako Shark Shortfin Taupe Bleue Lamnidae: Mackerel sharks ●

length considerablylessthanheadlength. Pectoral finsr elatively narrow attips, ● ● Second dorsalfinandanalminutSecond of seconddorsalfin. Anal finorigin undermidbase Birth size: 60–70cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 400cm. Females mature: 270–300cm. mature:Males about200. Size ofsnoutusuallywhite. surface ventralwhite onventral surface; becoming lighter bluelaterally and blue, bright abrilliant surface Dorsal Colour ● keels keels caudal Secondary absent. VU e. LL 22/08/2014 09:25 SMA 49 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Isurus oxyrinchus SMA Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A relatively long pointed snout; pectoral fins moderately long, but less than blade-like teeth which are recurved. head length, one high keel either side of the caudal peduncle; back and sides brilliantly blue, underside of snout usually white; long, smooth edged,

First dorsal and caudal fins, interdorsal and caudal Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin second dorsal & anal fins over or just posterior to minute pectoral fins free rear tip upper labial furrows distinct snout acutely pointed, long

high keel on caudal peduncle pectoral fins less than head length underside of snout second dorsal fin insertion over mostly white Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin origin second dorsal & anal fins distinctly posterior to minute pectoral fins free rear tip

snout conical in shape

high keel on caudal peduncle underside of snout pectoral fins more than head length usually dusky second dorsal fin insertion over Isurus paucus Longfin Mako Shark midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin over second dorsal & anal fins base or inner margin free rear tip small of pectoral fins prominently white upper labial furrows distinct

acutely conical, relatively long

two keels on caudal peduncle underside of snout second dorsal origin over/slightly usually dusky Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark forward of anal fin origin

Pectoral fins more than head first dorsal fin nearer to medium-sized second dorsal & length– I. paucus, p.51 pelvic than pectoral fins anal fins upper labial furrows tiny snout narrow and pointed

caudal fin with three gill slits pectoral fins more than head length long lower lobe low keel on caudal peduncle in front of pectoral fins origin second dorsal fin origin over Prionace glauca Blue Shark anal fin origin teeth not prominent 50

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 50 22/08/2014 09:25 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 51 Tooth counts: upperjaw 24–26,lower jaw 22–24. , andlessoblique.recurved Teeth similarinbothjaws, broad, robust, less Dentition ● ● Guitart, 1966 Guitart, Isurus paucus LAMNIFORMES

not recurved. lat Teeth without smooth-edged, Snout long, narro eral cusps; anterior teetheral cusps;anterior straight, ● w to bluntlypointed.

and mouthdusky ofsnout Ventral surface ●

posterior to finsfree pectoral rear tip. First dorsalfinorigin Teeth approximately size. actual . distinctly © NOAA Fisheries, USA shaped caudalfin. andacrescent toposterior seconddorsalfininsertion, originatinghigh, erectfirstdorsalfin,ananalfin slightly finslengthequal snout length,pectoral to headlength, to bluntlypointed snout,eye diameter more than33% Body relatively slender, fusiform-shaped, withanarrow Description Petite Taupe Lamnidae: Mackerel sharks LongfinMako Shark ●

Pectoral finslengthaboutequalt o orgreater thanheadlength. ● ●

ofseconddorsalfin. insertion Anal finorigin slightlyb Second dorsalfinandanalminutSecond ● Birth size: 90–100cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 430cm. Females mature: about245cm. mature:Males 195–230cm. Size juveniles. , except ordark insmall dusky ofsnoutdistinctly ventral surface above, becomingwhite ventrally; blueto blackish dark surface Dorsal Colour keels keels caudal Secondary absent. ehind e. VU LL 22/08/2014 09:25 LMA 51 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Isurus paucus LMA Isurus paucus Longfin Mako Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Snout is not as pointed as in Shortfin Mako; pectoral fins are very long and underside of snout dusky; teeth smooth-edged, blade-like, but not recurved. broadly tipped, length about equal to or longer than head length, one high keel either side of the caudal peduncle; back and sides greyish-black,

First dorsal and caudal fins, interdorsal and caudal Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin origin second dorsal & anal fins distinctly posterior to minute pectoral fins free rear tip

snout conical in shape

high keel on caudal peduncle underside of snout pectoral fins more than head length usually dusky second dorsal fin insertion over Isurus paucus Longfin Mako Shark midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin origin second dorsal & anal fins over or just posterior to minute pectoral fins free rear tip upper labial furrows distinct snout acutely pointed, long

high keel on caudal peduncle pectoral fins less than head length underside of snout mostly white second dorsal fin insertion over midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin nearer to medium-sized second dorsal & pelvic than pectoral fins anal fins

upper labial furrows tiny snout narrow and pointed

first dorsal fin over second dorsal & anal fins base or inner margin free rear tip small of pectoral fins prominently white upper labial furrows distinct

acutely conical, relatively long

two keels on caudal peduncle underside of snout second dorsal origin over/slightly usually dusky Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark forward of anal fin origin 52

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 52 22/08/2014 09:25 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 53 Tooth counts: upperjaw 28–32,lower jaw 26–30. by asinglelateral cuspletoneachside. Teeth withlongnarrow, cusp, flanked smooth-edged Dentition ● (Bonnaterre, 1788) Lamna nasus LAMNIFORMES

and acutely conical Snout relatively long ●

one-third snoutlength. one-third Eyes ver y large, diameter about . ●

each side. lateral cuspletson edged Teeth large, smooth- ● posterior toposterior finsinsertions. pectoral First dorsalfinoriginat , withsmall Teeth approximately size. actual es over orslightly © MalcolmFrancis (NIWA, NewZealand) oncrescent-shapedkeels caudalfin. caudal comparatively small, andprominent secondary free rear tipabruptlywhite, seconddorsalandanalfins lateral cuspletseitherside, firstdorsalfinhigh, erect, cuspandsmall snout, teeth withlarge smooth-edged Stout fusiform-shaped body, witharelatively long, conical Description Porbeagle Requin-taupe communRequin-taupe Lamnidae: Mackerel sharks ● pr Free rear tip ominently white. ●

anterior toanterior analfinorigin. about o dorsalfinorigin Second ver orslightly ●

pr caudalkeels Secondary ● esent andstrong. Birth size: 70–80cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 350cm. Females mature: about245cm. mature:Males about195cm. Size population. Hemisphere some adultsofSouthern andabdomenblotched in head dusky fin prominently white; underside of body white; free rear tipoffirstdorsal of becoming white onventral surface bluish-grey, colourdark surface Dorsal Colour and analfinsmall. dorsalfin Second VU LL 22/08/2014 09:25 POR 53 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Lamna nasus POR Lamna nasus Porbeagle

SIMILAR SPECIES Stout bodied shark; snout relatively long and conical; first dorsal fin high and of head dusky, free rear tip of first dorsal fin prominently white; teeth long, erect, one high keel either side of the caudal peduncle and one secondary narrow and smooth-edged cusp with one lateral cusplet either side. caudal keel either side of caudal fin base; back dark bluish grey, underside

First dorsal and caudal fins, interdorsal and caudal Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of head

first dorsal fin over base or first dorsal fin posterior second dorsal & anal fins inner margin of pectoral fins margin concave small free rear tip upper labial prominently white furrows distinct

acutely conical, relatively long

two keels on caudal peduncle underside of snout second dorsal origin over/slightly usually dusky Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark forward of anal fin origin

first dorsal fin about over second dorsal & anal fins inner margin of pectoral fins first dorsal fin posterior minute margin convex upper labial furrows minute

snout bluntly conical, relatively short

high keel on caudal peduncle black axillary spot often present second dorsal insertion Carcharodon carcharias White Shark forward of anal fin origin

first dorsal fin origin second dorsal & anal fins over or just posterior to minute pectoral fins free rear tip first dorsal fin posterior margin concave upper labial furrows distinct snout acutely pointed, long

high keel on caudal peduncle dorsal surface brilliant blue underside of snout second dorsal fin insertion over mostly white Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako midbase of anal fin

first dorsal fin origin over second dorsal & pectoral fins free rear tip first dorsal fin posterior anal fins large margin straight lower labial furrows distinct no keel snout conical, relatively long ventral caudal lobe short no lower precaudal pit underside of second dorsal fin origin over snout white Odontaspis ferox Smalltooth Sandtiger insertion of pelvic fins 54

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and pelvicfinsnotwhite flanks above pectoral absent labial furrows snout elongated A. superciliosus, p.57 large eyes very deep horizontal groove A. pelagicus, p.59

Pectoral finsnear Flanks above pec Base offirstdorsalfincloser topelvicbasesthan topect Head withadeephorizontal gr Pectoral finscur Flanks above pec Base of first dorsal fin about equidistant between pect Base offirstdorsalfinaboutequidistantbetween Head withoutadeephorizontal gr dorsal headsurface expandedonto orbits ved pointed; teeth andsharply elongate andunicuspid ly straight and broadly pointed; teeth oblique with a secondary cusp ly straightandbroadly pointed; teeth obliquewithasecondary toral andpelvicfinsnotwhite; headisnarrow andsnoutiselongated. Labialfurrows absent. toral and pelvic fins white; head is broad and snout is short. Labialfurrowstoral andpelvicfinswhite;present. headisbroad andsnoutisshort. snout short and pelvicfinswhite flanks above pectoral present labial furrows no horizontal groove smaller eyes relatively A. vulpinus, p.61 Go toGo 2 oove around extending eachside. large, Eyes expandedonto are thedorsalheadsurface. withorbits very oove around extending eachside. Eyes relatively smaller, notexpanded. withorbits expanded not orbits oral andpelvicfinbasesorcloser finbases to pectoral oral bases broadly pointed sharply pointed sharply broadly pointed nearly straight fins pectoral A. pelagicus, p.59  Alopiassuperciliosus p.57  Alopiasvulpinus p.61 curved fins pectoral A. vulpinus, p.61 pelvic than pectoral bases pelvic thanpectoral first dorsalfinnearer to pelvic than pectoral bases pelvic thanpectoral first dorsalfinnearer to  p.59 Alopiaspelagicus Elongate &uncuspid–A.vulpinus, p.61 Oblique &cuspid–A.pelagicus, p.59  2 Go toGo 2 A. superciliosus, p.57 22/08/2014 09:26 55 SHARK KEY GUIDE TO ALOPIIDAE KEY GUIDE TO ODONTASPIDIDAE

1a Teeth mostly with 2–3 cusplets on each side of cusp. 3–4 rows of small intermediate teeth between upper anterior and lateral rows. Anal fin posterior margin strongly concave. Lighter ventral side, dorsal with faint spots  Odontaspis ferox, p.63 1b Teeth with only 1 cusplet on each side of cusp. 1 row of small intermediate teeth between upper anterior and lateral rows. Anal fin posterior margin is straight. Uniform dark colour  Odontaspis noronhai, p.65

Two to three cusplets on each One cusplet on each side– side– O. ferox, p.63 O. noronhai, p.65 Grey or grey-brown above, lighter below, often with faint spots, no white-tipped first dorsal fin– O. ferox, p.63 KEY GUIDE TO ODONTASPIDIDAE

Anal fin posterior margin strongly Anal fin posterior margin is Uniform dark colour– concave – O. ferox, p.63 straight– O. noronhai, p.65 O. noronhai, p.65

Pseudocarchariidae Confusion species comparison  P. kamoharai, p.67 Five long gill slits on each side of head Two dorsal fins, first dorsal fin approximately midpoint along body Anal fin present, origin behind second dorsal fin insertion–

Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, p.67

Five short gill slits on each side of head Two dorsal fins, first dorsal fin set well back just in front of pelvic fins No anal fin–

Isistius brasiliensis

SHARK Seven long gill slits on each side of head One dorsal fins, set well back just behind pelvic fins Anal fin present, origin behind first dorsal fin insertion–

Heptranchias perlo

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Tooth counts: upper41–45,lower 37–48. cusp, withintermediate teeth. the primary Teeth to cuspposterior obliquewithsmallsecondary Dentition ● but smallgroove above eyes. large Eyes moderately Head withoutdeepgroo Nakamura, 1935 Nakamura, Alopias pelagicus LAMNIFORMES

Snout long. . ● absent. Labial furrows ves Teeth approximately size. actual ● ● and pelvicfins)notwhite. Colour above flanks(pect

Pectoral straightandbr finsnearly ● or slightlycloserto fins pectoral First dorsalfinaboutequidistance nearly straight and broadly pointed; tail very thinattip. straightandbroadlynearly pointed; tailvery moderately large; labial furrows fins absent;pectoral and pelvicfins;headnarrow andsnoutelongated;eyes above withflanksdark pectoral Smallest thresher shark, Description © Reeve/Henderson(Sultan QaboosUniversity,Muscat,Oman) ● Renard Pélagique PelagicShark Thresher ALOPIIDAE:sharks Thresher just b Tiny seconddorsalfinorigin oral ehind analfinfree rear tip. oadly pointed. . ● Tail long extremely pre-caudal length pre-caudal tail length Birth size: 160–190cm. Birth size:Maximum 259–376cm. Females mature: 280–290cm. mature:Males 265–275cm. Size overextending fins. andpelvicfins, of thepectoral butnot changing to white ventrally atthelevel brownpurplish dorsallyandonfins, blue, paleto dark Metallic grey, or Colour very narrowand very .

●

nar Tail extremely VU row attip. LL 22/08/2014 09:26 PTH 57 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Caudal fin at least as long as body length Alopias pelagicus PTH Alopias pelagicus Pelagic Thresher Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Head without deep grooves extending along each side of head, but small free rear tip of anal fin, extremely long tail very narrow at tip; colour above the groove only above eye region, eyes moderately large; first dorsal fin about flanks of the pectoral and pelvic fins, not white. equidistant or slightly closer to pectoral fins, small second dorsal fin just behind

Colour on flanks above pectorals and pelvics and fin shapes Lateral view of head Dorsal fins positions

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white no horizontal groove, but tiny second dorsal small groove above eye fin origin just behind anal fin free rear tip

tail very narrow at tip

tail extremely long

eyes relatively snout long smaller labial furrows first dorsal fin equidistant or slightly Alopias pelagicus Pelagic Thresher Shark absent closer to pectoral bases

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins white no horizontal groove, no tiny second dorsal fin small groove above eye well behind anal fin free rear tip

tail moderately broad at tip

tail very long

eyes relatively smallest snout short labial furrows first dorsal fin nearer to pelvic Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher Shark present than pectoral bases

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white deep horizontal groove tiny second dorsal fin origin ahead of anal fin free rear tip

tail broad at tip

tail long eyes very large snout extending very long onto dorsal labial furrows first dorsal fin much nearer to pelvic Alopias superciliosus Bigeye Thresher Shark head surface absent than pectoral bases 58

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 58 22/08/2014 09:26 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 59 ● ● eyes to above gill openings. along eachsideofheadfrom behind space nearly flat. space nearly interorbital surface; onto thedorsalhead Eyes huge Head withdeepgroo Tooth rows: upper19–27,lower 19–24. no intermediate teeth. no lateral cusplets, similarinbothjaws; Teeth large, withalongslender, cusp, smooth-edged Dentition ● (Lowe, 1841) Alopias superciliosus LAMNIFORMES

very long Snout very ● , extending , extending

absent Labial furrows . . ves extending Teeth approximately size. actual ● and pelvicfins)notwhite. Colour above flanks(pec ● Pectoral finswithcur © NOAA Fisheries, USA apices; tailbroad at fintip. margin anterior andbroadlyfins withcurved tippedatthe labialfurrows helmet-like); absent;pectoral slits (appearing grooves from extending above theeyes to behindthegill lateral headwithdistinct onto thedorsalheadsurface; A large thresher large withextremely eyes shark extending Description Renard à Gros Yeux ALOPIIDAE:sharks Thresher Bigeye Thresher Shark Bigeye Thresher ● toral than to finbases. pectoral First dorsalmidbasemuch closer ved margin. anterior ●

ahead ofanalfinfree rear tip. Tiny seconddorsalfinorig in pelvic finsbases pelvic to ● Tail longand pre-caudal length pre-caudal Birth size: 130–140cm. Birth size:Maximum 410–490cm. Females mature: 330–360cm. mature:Males 270–290cm. Size aboveextending orpelvicfins. pectoral without white patches light below; Purplish brown to violetabove, Colour tail length broad. ● Tail broad VU attip. LL 22/08/2014 09:26 BTH 59 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Caudal fin at least as long as body length Alopias superciliosus BTH Alopias superciliosus Bigeye Thresher Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Head with deep grooves extending along each side of head, eyes huge tip of anal fin, long tail broad at tip; colour above the flanks of the pectoral extending onto the dorsal surface of the head; first dorsal fin midbase closer to and pelvic fins, not white. pelvic fin bases than to pectoral fin bases, small second dorsal fin over free rear

Colour on flanks above pectorals and pelvics and fin shapes Lateral view of head Dorsal fins positions

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white deep horizontal groove tiny second dorsal fin origin ahead of anal fin free rear tip

tail broad at tip

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins white no horizontal groove, no tiny second dorsal fin small groove above eye well behind anal fin free rear tip

tail moderately broad at tip

tail very long

eyes relatively smallest snout short labial furrows first dorsal fin nearer to pelvic Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher Shark present than pectoral bases

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white no horizontal groove, but tiny second dorsal small groove above eye fin origin just behind anal fin free rear tip

tail very narrow at tip

tail extremely long

eyes relatively snout long smaller labial furrows first dorsal fin equidistant or slightly Alopias pelagicus Pelagic Thresher Shark absent closer to pectoral bases 60

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lar Eyes moderately each sideofheadorabove eyes. Head withoutdeepgroov Tooth counts: upper32–52,lower 25–51. intermediate tooth rows usuallypresent. slightly oblique, cusp; triangular Teeth relatively small, withasinglesmooth-edged, Dentition ● (Bonnaterre, 1788) Alopias vulpinus LAMNIFORMES

ge. . Snout short ● shor furrows Labial t. es along ●

Teeth approximately size. actual (pectoral andpelvicfins). (pectoral White abov ● Pectoral finscur e flanks ●

pectoral finbases.pectoral First dorsalmidbasecloserto ● ved.

ofanalfinfreebehind rear tip. Tiny seconddorsalfinorig © NOAA Fisheries, USA marginsanterior andpointed tips;tailtipmoderately broad. curved curved, with fins fin closer fins;pectoral to pectoral moderately large, onto head;firstdorsal butnotextending alongeachside;labialfurrowsextending present; eye andpelvicfins;headbroad,pectoral withoutdeep grooves Largest ofthe thresher white sharks, withdistinctive over Description Renard ALOPIIDAE:sharks Thresher Common Thresher Shark Common Thresher pelvic finbasesthanto pelvic in well ● Tail ver pre-caudal length pre-caudal y longandmoderately broad . tail length Birth size: 120–150cm. Birth size:Maximum 575–635cm. Females mature: 260–465cm. mature:Males 260–420cm. Size over andpelvicfinbases. pectoral conspicuous white patches extending grey,or dark white, with ventral surface to bluishgrey silvery Upper bodysurface Colour ●

broad attip. Tail moder VU ately LL 22/08/2014 09:26 ALV 61 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Caudal fin at least as long as body length Alopias vulpinus ALV Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES Head without deep grooves along each side; eyes moderately large; first dorsal anal fin, very long tail moderately broad at tip; white above the flanks of the fin closer to pectoral fins, small second dorsal fin well behind free rear tip of pectoral and pelvic fins.

Colour on flanks above pectorals and pelvics and fin shapes Lateral view of head Dorsal fins positions

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins white no horizontal groove, no tiny second dorsal fin small groove above eye well behind anal fin free rear tip

tail moderately broad at tip

tail very long

eyes relatively smallest snout short labial furrows first dorsal fin nearer to pelvic Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher Shark present than pectoral bases

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white no horizontal groove, but tiny second dorsal small groove above eye fin origin just behind anal fin free rear tip

tail very narrow at tip

tail extremely long

eyes relatively snout long smaller labial furrows first dorsal fin equidistant or slightly Alopias pelagicus Pelagic Thresher Shark absent closer to pectoral bases

flanks above pectoral and pelvic fins not white deep horizontal groove tiny second dorsal fin origin ahead of anal fin free rear tip

tail broad at tip

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 62 22/08/2014 09:26 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 63 Tooth counts: upperjaw 46–56,lower jaw 36–48. cusplets oneachside. two orthreeby with acentralcuspflanked smaller Teeth are prominent, awl-shaped, longandnarrow Dentition ● ● (Risso, 1810) feroxOdontaspis LAMNIFORMES

● and relativ Head flattened, snoutconical Eyes small, withoutnic

cusplets oneachsideofcusp. central cusp Teeth awl-shaped, withlong ely long. , mostlywith2or3 titating membrane. Teeth approximately size. actual © HsuHuaHsun anal fins. rear tips, andismuchlarger thantheseconddorsal and originatesa firstdorsalfinthat finsover thepectoral free eyes, pastthe flattened snout,alongmouthextending A large, stout-bodied withaconical to slightly shark Description Requin féroceRequin Smalltooth Sandtiger Odontaspididae: Sandtiger sharks Odontaspididae: Sandtiger ● second dorsalandanalfins. First dorsalfinmuchlarger than ●

Anal fin posterior margAnal finposterior strongly concave Birth size: 100cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 450cm. Females mature: 300–350cm. mature:Males 200–250cm. Size tipped firstdorsalfin. spots onsidesbutwithoutawhite- below, (reddish) withdarker often Grey orgrey-brown above, lighter Colour ● bump post Caudal finasymmetrical, withslight in ● Ventral stout. caudallobeshort, erior to upperprecaudalerior pit. VU LL 22/08/2014 09:26 LOO 63 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Odontaspis ferox LOO Odontaspis ferox Smalltooth Sandtiger

SIMILAR SPECIES A large, stout-bodied shark; bulbous, conical snout; first dorsal fin closer to small bump in front of upper caudal pit; greyish, sometimes with red spots on pectoral than pelvic fins and much larger than second dorsal and anal fins; a sides; protruding teeth which are awl-shaped.

Colour, first dorsal fin position and first dorsal, anal and caudal fins shape Second dorsal & pelvic fins Ventral view of heads and teeth

second dorsal & anal fins first dorsal fin origin over first dorsal fin posterior equally very large pectoral fins free rear tip margin straight lower labial furrows distinct snout conical, relatively long no keel

ventral caudal lobe short underside of anal fin posterior margin no lower precaudal pit snout white strongly concave second dorsal fin origin over Odontaspis ferox Smalltooth Sandtiger pelvic fins

first dorsal fin over base or first dorsal fin posterior second dorsal & anal fins inner margin of pectoral fins margin concave equally small two keels upper labial free rear tip furrows distinct prominently white acutely conical, relatively long

underside of snout lower precaudal pit usually dusky second dorsal origin over/ slightly forward of Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark anal fin origin

second dorsal large first dorsal fin origin usually first dorsal fin posterior anal fin smaller over pectoral inner margins margin straight lower labial furrows distinct snout conical, relatively long no keel

ventral caudal lobe triangular uniform dark anal fin posterior margin no lower precaudal pit coloration strongly straight second dorsal fin origin over Odontaspis noronhai Bigeye Sandtiger pelvic fins 64

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp049-064 wide.indd 64 22/08/2014 09:26 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp065-080 wide.indd 65 ● ● ●

Tooth counts: upperjaw 34–43,lower jaw 37–46. on eachside. by onesmallercusplets with acentralcuspflanked Teeth are prominent, awl-shaped, longandnarrow Dentition and relativ Head flattened, snoutconical membrane. nictitating Eyes ver

cusplets oneachsideofcusp. central cusp Teeth awl-shaped, withlong Maul, 1955 noronhai Odontaspis LAMNIFORMES y large, without ely long. , mostlywith1(rarely 2) ●

o First dorsalfinorigin usually ver innermargins. pectoral Teeth approximately size. actual © Ryan Downie,© Ryan CSIRO. butwithastrongasymmetrical lower lobe. absentfromlateral keels caudalpeduncle, caudalfin fins than to pelvicfins, upper precaudal pit present but smaller thanfirstdorsalfin;fincloserpectoral to behindeyes; analfinandseconddorsal and extending eyelids, large withoutnictitating mouthlong eyes very withalongbulbouslyconicalsnout; A large,shark bulky Description Requin noronhaiRequin Bigeye Shark Sandtiger sharks Odontaspididae: Sandtiger ●

and analfins. larger thanseconddorsal First dorsalfinmuch ● Anal fin posterior margAnal finposterior strongly concave ●

to upperprecaudal pit. without slightbumppost Caudal finasymmetrical, Birth size: about100cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 427cm. Females mature: about325cm. mature:Males 325–340cm. Size withawhitefin often blotch attip. firstdorsal finsblack, on sidesofbody; reddishdark brown, spots withoutdark chocolate brownUniformly black, or Colour in ●

erior erior Caudal lower lobestr DD LL ong. 22/08/2014 09:33 ODH 65 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Odontaspis noronhai ODH Odontaspis noronhai Bigeye Sandtiger Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES First dorsal fin much larger than second dorsal and anal fins, upper precaudal sides, first dorsal fin tip usually white-tipped. pit without a bump; uniform black to dark reddish brown without spots on

Colour, first dorsal fin position and first dorsal, anal and caudal fins shape Second dorsal & pelvic fins Ventral view of heads and teeth

second dorsal large first dorsal fin origin usually first dorsal fin posterior anal fin smaller over pectoral inner margins margin straight lower labial furrows distinct

snout conical, relatively long no keel

ventral caudal lobe short underside of anal fin posterior margin no lower precaudal pit snout white strongly concave second dorsal fin origin over Odontaspis ferox Smalltooth Sandtiger pelvic fins

underside of snout lower precaudal pit usually dusky second dorsal origin over/ slightly forward of Lamna nasus Porbeagle Shark anal fin origin 66

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp065-080 wide.indd 66 22/08/2014 09:33 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp065-080 wide.indd 67 Tooth counts: upperjaw 26–29,lower jaw 21–26. Teeth large, narrow anteriors andawl-like. Dentition ● ● ● (Matsubara, 1936) Pseudocarcharias kamoharai LAMNIFORMES

pointed andbulbouslyconical Snout moderately long, v large,Mouth Eyes ver entral onhead. y large. ● patch oncheek whiteSometimes ●

moderately long. Gill openings . Teeth approximately size. actual . ●

low andangular First dorsalfinsmall, © David A.Ebert caudalfinwithalongloweran asymmetrical lobe. keels andprecaudalfin; low pitsonthecaudalpeduncle, fins,twopectoral smallspinelessdorsalfinsandananal angular mouthwithhighlyprotrusable jaws, small shaped body, prominent teeth ina long long-cusped eyelids, nictitating longgill slits,lacking slender, spindle- withhugeeyes oceanicshark, distinctive A small, very Description . Requin crocodileRequin Crocodile Shark Pseudocarchariidae: Crocodile sharks ●

Trunk andslender cylindrical . ●

but larger thananalfin. dorsalfinsmallerthanfirst, Second ● Birth size: 40–50cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 122cm. Females mature: 85–100cm. mature:Males 75–80cm. Size the checks. some individualswithalighter spoton ventrally, fins; andwithlight-edged Grey to grey-brown above, lighter Colour

and withlow lat Caudal peduncleslightlydepressed eral keels. ● NT

lower pr with upperand Caudal peduncle pits present. ecaudal LL 22/08/2014 09:33 PSK 67 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Distinguishing feature or features Pseudocarcharias kamoharai PSK Pseudocarcharias kamoharai Crocodile Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A relatively small, less than 1.3m total length, spindle-shaped shark; large precaudal pits; dark brown or greyish above, lighter below, some with white eyes; relatively small pectoral fins, caudal fin is asymmetrical, upper and lower spots or blotches on cheeks; long spiky teeth.

Colour, first dorsal fin position and first dorsal and caudal fins shape Second dorsal & anal fins Ventral view of heads and teeth

first dorsal fin relatively small, low, and angular; caudal fin asymmetrical, upper second dorsal smaller than first teeth long, slender, second dorsal fin smaller, less than half size of first lobe less than half total length, similar in both jaws lower lobe distinct, but short

snout moderately long, pointed and bulbously conical anal fin relatively large low keels 5 long gill slits second dorsal origin over pelvic with dusky collar Pseudocarcharias kamoharai Crocodile Shark fins inner margins

first dorsal fin set far back, caudal fin nearly first and second dorsal teeth dissimilar; upper teeth erect and small; insert over pelvic fins symmetrical about same height lower teeth large and triangular

snout short and bulbous no anal fin low keels 5 very short gill slits second dorsal origin behind with dusky collar Isistius brasiliensis Cookiecutter Shark pelvic fins free tips

only one dorsal fin no second dorsal fin teeth dissimilar; upper teeth narrow, hook- that is set far back caudal fin asymmetrical shaped; lower teeth, 5 distinctive comb-shaped

snout narrow and relatively pointed anal fin low

7 long gill slits first dorsal origin over /just no dusky collar Heptranchias perlo Sharpnose Sevengill Shark behind pelvic fins free tips

origin of first dorsal fin closer dorsal fins with a small second dorsal larger and more teeth dissimilar; upper teeth erect, narrow, small; to pectorals than pelvics spine in front of each fin triangular than first lower teeth larger and blade-like

snout rather narrow and long

caudal fin asymmetrical no anal fin 5 gill slits second dorsal about over or just dark body colour Zameus squamulosus Velvet Dogfish in front of pelvic midbases 68

FAO Pelagic Guide to the Indian Ocean pp065-080 wide.indd 68 22/08/2014 09:33 FAO Pelagic Guide totheIndian Ocean pp065-080 wide.indd 69 ● jaws. Tooth counts: 300ormore rows onupperandlower shaped. Teeth similarinupperandlower jaws, minute, hook- Dentition Smith,1828 typus Rhincodon ORECTOLOBIFORMES

on head terminal Mouth ●

flattened; snoutindistinc Head broad andstrongly . ●

high uponsides. r long, Gill openingsvery elatively straightvertically, t. Teeth approximately size. actual ●

along itsupperflanks longitudinal ridges Body withprominent ● © Hong-Ming © Hong-Ming Yu (AirFish Diving Center, Taiwan) and largecaudalfin. semi-crescent gill slits,vertical prominent longitudinal onitsback ridges colour, abroad flattened head, mouth, long wide terminal or yellow spots, offset by abluish to grey background withwhite stripes ofhorizontalcolour pattern andvertical withitsuniquecheckerboard shark An unmistakable Description Whale Shark Requin Baleine Requin shark Rhincodontidae: Whale

orig First dorsalfinsetfarback, in over pelvicfins. . ●

first dorsalfin. about 1/3size of dorsalfin Second ●

distinct precaudaldistinct pitabove, butabsentbelow. Caudal pedunclewithstrong lateral k ● heter Caudal finstrongly long astheentire shark. caudal finmargin 1/3as Birth size: 55–65cm. Birth sizeMaximum : 1800cm. Females mature: about1000cm. mature:Males 800–900cm. Size becoming white below. bluish orbrown above, ranges from grey dark to background colourthat offsethorizontal stripes by a and vertical spots between prominent white oryellow consistingof pattern Unique checkerboard Colour ocercal, dorsal eels and VU LL 22/08/2014 09:33 RHN 69 SHARK Anal fin 5 Gills Checkerboard patternation Rhincodon typus RHN Rhincodon typus Whale Shark

SIMILAR SPECIES A giant shark, to over 10m total length, with prominent keels along sides gill openings that do not extend over head or across throat; prominent of body; large terminal mouth, broad, square-shaped head with very large checkerboard patterned body colour.

Gill slits, snout coloration, first dorsal and caudal fins Ventral view of head Second dorsal and anal fins

distinctive ‘checkerboard’ patterning no interdorsal ridge caudal fin semi-lunate

very short, blunt, large keel on caudal peduncle very wide snout

teeth minute never obvious white

gill slits long, four first dorsal fin set well back, partly over pelvic fins above pectoral fins anal fin notched about same size Rhincodon typus Whale Shark as second dorsal fin

distinctive vertical striping in specimens less than 3m short, blunt, wide snout interdorsal ridge very prominent

slender caudal fin with an acutely pointed tip low keels on caudal peduncle very long, prominent upper labial furrows white first dorsal fin origin over inner margin of pectoral fins gill slits of medium anal fin deeply notched, length, two in front of teeth not obvious unless about same size as second pectoral fins origin Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger shark mouth opened dorsal fin

dark above, white below short, broadly no interdorsal ridge body soft and flabby rounded snout

no keel on caudal peduncle

upper lobe long, lower lobe short, dusky first dorsal fin origin closer to pectoral fin bases but distinct

gill slits moderately long, anal fin with no one above pectoral fins teeth minute notch, smaller than Megachasma pelagios Megamouth Shark never obvious second dorsal fin 70

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