CHECK LISTS OF THE SPECIES OF SHARKS, RAYS AND SKATES (PISCES: ELASMOBRANCHII) REGISTERED IN COLOMBIAN WATERS

Abstract

A revision of the species of sharks, skates and rays registered for the marine and continental waters of Colombia was carried out; a total of 176 species (88 sharks and 88 batoids) were found. Of these, 63 species of sharks and 58 of skates and rays have been confirmed through photographic records and biological collections, and the remaining has only been supported by bibliographical references. This inventory includes 69 genera (36 sharks and 33 batoids) and 34 families (20 sharks and 14 batoids). Four new species and 20 new reports for Colombian waters have been published in the last 25 years. Six species are deposited in internationals museums but have not appeared in the scientific literature. The number of Colombian material cataloged and deposited in national and international biological collections and collections of images is also included, as well as the amount of existent Colombian bibliographical references on each species. Taxonomic and systematic comments of some groups which validity is discussed are made.