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Distribution pattern of Galeus atlanticus in the Alborán Sea (south western Mediterranean) and some sexual character comparison with Galeus melastomus
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Galeus atlanticus is a small-sized deepwater catshark living on the slope bottom of the Alborán Sea. Given its external
similarities with Galeus melastomus, both species are often confused, which makes G. atlanticus a very poorly understood
species both in terms of catches and biological aspects. For this study, a total of 741 G. atlanticus specimens, caught during
scientific surveys from 1997 to 2003, were analysed. The distributional patterns were described and the reproductive status
estimated. Galeus atlanticus occurred throughout the Alborán Sea, between the Strait of Gibraltar and Cape Gata, including
the slope of the Island of Alborán. Its bathymetric range extended from 330 to 790 m and no size depth trends have been
observed. Mature specimens, both males and females, were caught in all seasons of the year. Size at first maturity was
significantly different between sexes, with estimates of 32.9 cm for males and 36.9 cm for females. The differential growth of
some secondary sexual characteristics, such as clasper length in males and oviducal gland diameter in females, were
compared with those of G. melastomus.
Description
Keywords
Alborán Sea Depth distribution Galeus atlanticus Geographical distribution Mediterranean Sea Reproduction
