ABOUT THE PRESENCE OF PSEUDOCARCHARIAS KAMOHARAI (MATSUBARA) (LAMNIFORMES: PSEUDOCARCHARIIDAE) IN SOUTHWESTERN WATERS OF ISLA DE MARGARITA, NUEVA ESPARTA, VENEZUELA

Abstract

Given the ecological importance and elasmobranch susceptibility to frequent bycatch, the surveillance of their fisheries has high relevance. Considering the lack of information about elasmobranch diversity associated with billfish fishery in the fishing port of Robledal, Margarita Island, Venezuela, a monitoring study was achieved between January 2014 and January 2015. Three specimens of Pseudocarcharias kamoharai were caught about 100 km southwest of the island, at a depth of about 150 m. Some anatomical, meristic and morphometric characters relevant to the species were determined, which allowed taxonomical identification. These records confirm the presence of the species in Venezuelan waters, extending its distribution range; and providing new data on chromatic patterns and reproductive aspects.