First record of Heptranchias perlo (Bonnaterre 1788) in Guatemala’s Caribbean Sea

Abstract

This study documents the first confirmed occurrence of the sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo in Guatemala's Caribbean Sea.

Methods

Two female specimens were captured by artisanal fishers from El Quetzalito using a bottom trammel net at approximately 200 m depth. The specimens were identified using taxonomic guides and deposited in the biological collection of CEMA-USAC.

Results

The specimens measured 280 mm and 370 mm in total length. Both showed the diagnostic characteristics of H. perlo, including seven gill openings, a slender body and a single spineless dorsal fin.

Conclusion

The records extend the known distribution of the species in the Caribbean and Central America and highlight the need for further research on deep-water elasmobranchs in Guatemala.

Source: Hacohen-Domené, A., Polanco-Vásquez, F. & Graham, R.T. (2017). Marine Biodiversity Records 10, 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-017-0118-x. Open access under CC BY 4.0.