Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN - CITES · Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN Identification guide of the main...

B e r n a r d S É R E TI R D & M N H N

Identification guide of the main shark and ray species of the eastern tropical Atlantic,for the purpose of the fishery observers and biologists


IUCNUnion mondiale pour la Nature

2006

About the authorOcean biologist by education, Bernard SÉRET is an ichthyolo-gist specialized in the study of the elasmobranch fishes (sharksand rays) at the « Institut de Recherche pour leDéveloppement » (IRD). He sojourned and made several mis-sions overseas and took part to numerous exploratory cruises inthe Atlantic, Southern and South Pacific oceans. He is theauthor of about an hundred scientific papers and several popu-lar publications. His current researches concern the biodiversi-ty, the fisheries and the conservation of sharks and rays. Hisworks related to biodiversity include the description of severalnew species of sharks and rays from the Atlantic and the SouthPacific, and contributions to various FAO catalogue projects(e.g. guide of fishery resources of the eastern tropical Atlantic;catalogue of the batoids of the world). Engaged in the conserva-tion of sharks and rays, he is a member of the Shark SpecialistGroup of the IUCN and the scientific chair of the EuropeanElasmobranch Association; he took part to the elaboration ofseveral shark action plans and to the review of CITES files.

AcknowledgementsThis field guide could be realized thanks to the willingness andsupport of MathieuDucrocq (FIBA, Tour du Valat) and MikaDiop (CRSP, Dakar). The participants of the training work-shop held in Dakar in December 2005 tested the preliminaryversion of this guide. Régis Jalabert (Opus, Arles) did the gra-phic conception. Thank to all.

Photo credit O. Alvheim, R. Bonfil, G. Burgess, F. Carvalho, J. Castro, R. Coelho, M. Dicken, M. Ducrocq, S. Iglesias, K. Manchih, J-C. Quéro, J. Randall, F. Serena, B. Séret, D. Zaera.

N°ISBN : 2-9514914-9-2

This guide was elaborated in the frame of the implementa-tion of the Sub-Regional Plan of Action for the conserva-tion and management of shark populations (PSRA-Requins) adopted by the Sub-Regional Commission ofFisheries (CSRP) for the countries of the sub-region:Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau,Sierra Leone, Republic of Guinea (Conakry).

The aim of this guide is to allow a quick and easy identifi-cation of the main species of sharks and rays commonlyobserved in the landing sites in West Africa. Indeed, thecollection of statistical data by species is a necessity for pla-ning sustainable management of the resources. This guideis designed mainly for the fishery observers and biologists,but it will also be useful for the fishermen to record theircatches on logbooks.

It has been edited thanks to the support of theInternational Foundation of « Banc d’Arguin » (FIBA).

Comments and observations on species included or not-included in this guide can be addressed to Bernard Séret,Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, DépartementSystématique et Evolution, UMS 602 « Taxonomie etCollections », case postale n°51, 55 rue Buffon, 75231Paris cedex 05 (e-mail: [email protected]).

The line-drawings were made by François Guiol (afterdocuments).

A joint initiative of


Foreword

Shark fisheries have rapidly expanded all over theworld during the last three decades, so that today some speciesare threatened. Several local extinctions have to be deplored, anda considerable decrease has been observed for most species. Theincreasing demand related to the consumption of shark fin soup,along with the high price of this product, are the main causes ofthis evolution. In West Africa, the influence of this market is verysensitive. The finning practice has been generalized on board ofthe industrial fishery vessels. The artisanal fishermen have beenmodifying their fishing practises to increase the by-catch ofsharks, and some of them gave up their previous activities toentirely focus on shark-targeted fishery. Networks to collect andmarket shark products were organized at regional level, incitingthe fishermen to catch sharks and offering them loans to increa-se the fishing effort, whereas stocks have been showing more andmore evident signs of decline.

The function of sharks, as top predators at the end ofthe food chain, is however essential to maintain the balances andthe genetic quality of the prey populations. The collapse of sharkstocks, beside the lost of biological diversity, represents a realthreat for the sustainability of the marine ecosystems.

Being in mind of the threats and in favour of the eco-systemic approach for fisheries management, the member statesof the Sub-Regional Commission of Fisheries (CSRP) took theinitiative, in 2001, to develop a Sub-Regional Plan of Action for

the management and the conservation of shark populations(PSRA-Requins), following the recommendations of the interna-tional plan elaborated by the FAO. Among the objectives of thisplan is the improvement of the scientific information related tothe impact of the fisheries on shark populations. Today, the levelof accuracy of the fishery statistical data does not allow the moni-toring of different shark populations.

This identification guide should allow to help to impro-ve the capacity of shark monitoring and hence the accuracy ofthe scientific information necessary for their management. Theidentification guide has been designed for an easy use in the fieldand to facilitate the work of the fishery officers and embarkedobservers. Its edition was possible thanks to the involvement ofProf. Bernard Séret and the support of the PRSA-Requins, spon-sored by FIBA and IUCN, within the framework of the RegionalProgramme for the Conservation of Marine and Coastal Zone inWest Africa (PRCM).

Mathieu DucrocqFondation Internationale du Banc d’Arguin (FIBA)

Shark Specialists Group – West Africa

Presentation and use of the guideEvery species is treated on a “form-like page” including a main central drawing, sometimes with additional drawings to detail

a particular morphological feature (snout, teeth). The family to which belongs the concerned species, its scientific name and the com-mon names in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese are given. The main morphological features are listed to attract the attention ofthe guide user on the “distinctive characteristics” allowing the species identification. The maximal length (or the maximal disc widthfor some rays) is given in cm. The fishing gears used to catch the concerned species are indicated; the information is strengthened bypictograms schematizing the gears. The bathymetric distribution and the habitat are together represented on a schematized cross-sec-tion of the continental margin. The depth range is indicated and the habitat materialized by a thick line for the benthic species (livingon or near the sea bottom) and by hachured lines for pelagic species (living in the water column).

At the beginning of the guide, there are plates with outline drawings of sharks and rays allowing a visual, quick and reliableidentification of the main families. Besides every outline drawing, the pages concerning the family are indicated; these pages should beconsulted in order to find out the species to be identified. At the end of the guide, plates with colour pictures facilitate the species iden-tification.

distinctive characteristics:Species identification

Maximal length

Fishing gears

Scientific name Common name in FrenchCommon name in EnglishCommon name in PortugueseCommon name in Spanish

5

SHA

RK

bathymetric distribution and habitat

Species

0m

500m

30m

SHARKS (families)P8

Squatinidae angel sharksSquatina .................................P10

SHA

RK

S

Ginglymostomatidae nurse sharksGinglymostoma.......................P13

Rhincodontidae whale sharkRhincodon...............................P14

Alopiidae thresher sharksAlopias ...................................P15

Lamnidae mako sharksIsurus .....................................P17

Leptochariidae barbel ed houndsharksLeptocharias ...........................P18

Hemigaleidae weasel sharksParagaleus..............................P21

Sphyrnidae hammerhead sharksSphyrna..................................P37

Carcharhinidae requiem sharksCarcharhinus, Galeocerdo, Negaprion,Prionace, Rhizoprionodon .......P22

Triakidae houndsharksMustelus, Galeorhinus ............P20

RAYS (families)P40

Mobulidae mantas, devil raysManta, Mobula.......................P70

Pristidae sawfishesPristis .....................................P42

Rhinobatidae guitarfishesRhinobatos..............................P46

Torpedinidae electric raysTorpedo ..................................P52

Zanobatidae panraysZanobatus...............................P51

Rajidae skatesRaja........................................P56

Dasyatidae stingraysDasyatis .................................P58

Rhynchobatidae wedgefishesRhynchobatus .........................P45

Rhinopteridae cownose raysRhinoptera..............................P69

Myliobatidae eagle raysMyliobatis, Aetobatus, Pteromylaeus ..........................P66

Gymnuridae butterfly raysGymnura................................P64

RA

YS

Sharks

8

9

SHA

RK

SShark morphology

eye

nostril

snout

spiracle

dorsal spine

1st dorsal fin

2nd dorsal fin

precaudal pit

caudal fin

precaudal keelanal fin

clasper (male)

TAILTRUNKHEAD

pelvic fin

pectoral fin

labial grooves

mouth

gill slits

interdorsal ridge (when present)

Distinctive characteristics:A mediodorsal row of strong thorny tuberclesNasal barbels strongly fringed

Max. size: 190 cm TL

Fishing gears: trawls, nets

0m

500m

30m

Squatina aculeataAnge de mer épineuxSawback angelsharkAnjo-espinhosoAngelote espinudo

10

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: continental shelf and slope

Squatinidae

Max. size: 140 cm TL

11


0m

500m

20m

SHA

RK

S


Squatinidae

Squatina oculataAnge de mer ocellé

Smoothback angelsharkAnjo-de-malhas

Pez angel

Distinctive characteristics:No mediodorsal row of thorny tubercles

Nasal barbels weakly fringedConspicuous white blotches, symmetrically arranged

Distinctive characteristics:No mediodorsal row of thorny tuberclesNasal barbels not fringed, cone-likeNo blotches on body

Max. size: 244 cm LT


0m

150mdown to

Squatina squatinaAnge de mer communCommon angelsharkAnjoAngelote

12

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: continental shelf

Squatinidae

0m

30m


13

Distinctive characteristics:Long nasal barbels

Mouth situated well in front of the level of eyesSmall eyes

Large and rounded dorsal finsBody yellowish brown, juveniles with small dark brown

blotches

Fishing gears: trawls, lines, nets

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal, on the bottom

Ginglymostomatidae

Ginglymostoma cirratumRequin-nourrice

Nurse sharkDormedor

Gata nodriz

Distinctive characteristics:Its size: it is the largest fishHead large and depressed, with a large mouth, almost terminal in positionVery large gill slitsVery large caudal fin, almost symmetricalBody brownish with light vertical lines and row of blotches

Max. size: 15 m LT

Fishing gears: seines

Rhincodon typusRequin-baleineWhale sharkTubarão-baleia, PintadonaTiburon ballena

14

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal and in the open sea

Rhincodontidae

Protected species: CITES Appendix II

0m

500m

30m

0mSurface


15

Distinctive characteristics:Very long caudal fin, almost as long as the rest of the body

A frontal groove above eyes and extending backwards Large eyes

Pectoral fins falciform but with narrowly rounded tipsThe white colour of the belly does not extend on to the flanks

Fishing gears: long-lines

0m

500m

Surface

SHA

RK

S


Alopiidae

Alopias superciliosusRenard à gros yeux

Bigeye thresher sharkRaposos-de-olhos-grandes

Zorro ojon

Distinctive characteristics:Very long caudal fin, almost as long as the rest of the bodyNo frontal groove above eyesSmall eyesPectoral fins falciform with pointed tipThe white colour of the belly extends on to the flanks and above the pecto-ral fin base

Max. size: ± 6 m LT


0m

400m

Surface

Alopias vulpinusRequin-renard communCommon thresher sharkRaposoZorro

16

SHA

RK

S


Alopiidae

0m

150m

Surface


17

Distinctive characteristics:Body torpedo-shaped, snout pointed

A strong longitudinal keel on the caudal peduncleLarge caudal fin, crescent-shaped

Pectoral fins short: shorter than the head length A small anal fin opposite to the second dorsal fin

Long teeth knife-like, without lateral denticlesBelly white, back blue


SHA

RK

S

Habitat: in the open sea

Lamnidae

Isurus oxyrinchusRequin-taupe bleu

Shortfin mako sharkAnequim

Marrajo dientuso

Distinctive characteristics:Body slender and thinTwo large, well-separated dorsal fins, with pointed tipsUpper labial grooves very longNumerous small pointed teeth with a central cusp and lateral cuspletsBack plain light grey; belly white

Max. size: 82 cm LT

Fishing gears: trawls, nets, long-lines

0m

75m10m

Leptocharias smithiiÉmissole à grandes lèvresBarbled houndhsharkCação-corre-correTiburon barbudo

18

SHA

RK

S


Leptochariidae

0m

470m

2m


19

Distinctive characteristics:Snout elongated

Two well-separated dorsal fins, the second smaller, but aslarge as the anal fin

Caudal fin with a well-developed ventral lobeTeeth blade-like with a strong bent cusp and

small accessory cuspletsBack plain grey brownish

Fishing gears: nets, long-lines

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: continental shelf, in water column

Leptochariidae

Galeorhinus galeusRequin-hâ

Tope sharkPerna-de-moça

Cazón

Distinctive characteristics:Two large, well separated dorsal fins, the second larger than the anal finVentral lobe of the caudal fin short1 interdorsal ridgeSmall granular teeth (without cups) arranged in pavementBack plain grey



0m

350m

5m

Mustelus mustelusÉmissole lisseSmooth houndCação-liso, CanejaMusola

20

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: continental shelf, near the bottom

Triakidae

0m

100m

10m


21

Distinctive characteristics:Two well separated dorsal fins,

the second smaller than the first one, but larger than the anal fin Caudal fin with a well developed ventral lobe and a subterminal notch

Upper margin of dorsal lobe of the caudal fin undulatedSpiracles present but small

Precaudal pit presentTeeth small, those of the upper jaw blade-like with a bent central cusp

and with accessory cusplets, those of the lower jaw with an erectedcentral cusp without cusplets

Back light brown with yellowish longitudinal stripes on the flanks


SHA

RK

S


Hemigaleidae

Paragaleus pectoralisMilandre jaune

Atlantic weasel sharkTubarão-dononha

Tuburon comadiza

Distinctive characteristics:Snout rounded and rather longUpper teeth triangular with serrated edgesFirst dorsal fin above the level of the internal margin of the pectoral fin1 interdorsal ridgeBack greyish, tips of fins dusky


Fishing gears: trawls, long-lines

0m

430m

25m

Carcharhinus altimusRequin babosseBignose sharkTubarão-bobosoTuburon boboso

22

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: shelf and continental slope

Carcharhinidae

0m

60m


23

Distinctive characteristics:Body stocky, snout very short and rounded

First dorsal fin high with a pointed apexUpper teeth blade-like, triangular and with finely serrated edges

No interdorsal ridgeBack grey; tips of fins dusky in juveniles, faded in adults


SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

Carcharhinus amboinensisRequin balestrine

Pigeye sharkMarracho-baleta

Tiburon baleta

Distinctive characteristics:Snout rounded (in dorsal view), conical and pointed (in lateral view)Upper teeth with a strong and bent cusp, well marked off its base, withfinely serrated edgesNo interdorsal ridgeBack dark grey; sometimes tip of fins dusky


Fishing gears: trawls, long-lines,

0m

100m

Carcharhinus brachyurusRequin cuivréCopper sharkTubarão-cobreTiburon cobrizo

24

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae


25

Distinctive characteristics:Snout long and pointed

Upper and lower teeth with similar shape but the upper teeth havetheir edges finely serrated, instead lower teeth are smooth edged

No interdorsal ridgeBack grey, with a light longitudinal strip on flanks; tip of fins black

in adults

Fishing gears: trawls, long-lines,

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

Carcharhinus brevipinnaRequin-tisserand

Spinner sharkTubarão-tecedlão

Tiburon aleta negra

0m

75m

Distinctive characteristics:Body rather slender, snout conicalUpper teeth triangular, cusp almost straight erected, with strong serrations onbase and fine ones to tipLower teeth with a straight erected cusp on a wide baseInterdorsal ridge presentBack grey to yellowish brown; tip of fins usually plain, without dusky markings


Fishing gears: seines, long-lines

0m

500m

Carcharhinus falciformisRequin soyeuxSilky sharkMarracho-sedosoTiburon jaqueton

26

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

0m

150m


27

Distinctive characteristics:Body rather stocky, snout short and rounded

Upper teeth triangular with bent cusp and serrated edgesLower teeth almost straight erected on a wide base,

with finely serrated edgesBack greyish brown, tip of fins dusky mainly in juveniles

Fishing gears: nets, lines

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal, in estuaries and rivers

Carcharhinidae

Carcharhinus leucasRequin-bouledogue

Bull sharkTubarão-buldogue

Tiburon sarda

Distinctive characteristics:Body relatively slender, snout elongated and conicalUpper and lower teeth similar, cusp almost straight erected, with finely serrated edges and a wide baseNo interdorsal ridgeBack ash-grey; a dark longitudinal strip on flanks, between the level of the pelvic fins ad the gill slits; tip of fins dusky, but variable, except for a constantblack blotch on pelvic fins



0m0m

30m

Carcharhinus limbatusRequin bordéBlacktip sharkMarracho-de-pontas-negrasTiburon macuira

28

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal

Carcharhinidae


29

Distinctive characteristics:Body rather stocky, snout short and rounded

First dorsal fin very large with widely rounded apex. Pectoral fins very long.

Upper teeth triangular, cusp straight erected with serrated edges. Lowerteeth with a narrow cusp, its tip triangular, edges serrated.

Interdorsal ridge present.Back bluish grey, dark; tip of dorsal, pectoral and caudal ventral lobe

whitish, maculated of small dark blotches

0m

150m

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

Carcharhinus longimanusRequin océanique

Oceanic whitetip sharkMarracho-de-pontas-brancas

Tiburon oceanicoFishing gears: long-lines, seines

Distinctive characteristics:Body relatively slender, snout short and roundedUpper teeth large and triangular, cusp slightly bent, not marked off base, edges finely serratedLower teeth with straight erected cusp, marked off base, edges smoothInterdorsal ridge presentBack bluish grey; tip of fins often dusky in juveniles only



0m

400m

Carcharhinus obscurusRequin sombreDusky sharkTubarão-faquandaTiburon arenero

30

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

0m

280m


31

Distinctive characteristics:Body stocky, snout short and rounded

First dorsal fin high with pointed apexUpper teeth large and triangular, cusp straight erected,

edges finely serrated. Lower teeth with narrow erected cusp, marked off its wide base, edges almost smooth

Interdorsal ridge presentBack grey; tip of fins dusky in juveniles


SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

Carcharhinus plumbeusRequin gris

Sandbar sharkTubarão-cinzento

Tiburon trozo

Distinctive characteristics:Body rather stocky, snout long and roundedUpper teeth with a strongly bent cusp and a few accessory cuspletsLower teeth with straight erected cusp on a wide baseInterdorsal ridge presentBack bluish grey; belly greyish, inside of mouth white



0m

200m

Carcharhinus signatusRequin de nuitNight sharkTubarão-da-noiteTiburon nocturno

32

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

0m

140m


33

Distinctive characteristics:Body torpedo-shaped, snout short and rounded

Teeth similar in both jaws, very distinctive in shape: a blade-likecusp, bent, with a strong notch, edges clearly serrated

Spiracles presentInterdorsal ridge present

Back brownish grey with dark blotches and stripes, formingmarble lines, well conspicuous in juveniles

Fishing gears: nets, long-lines, lines

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal

Carcharhinidae

Galeocerdo cuvierRequin-tigreTiger shark

Tubarão-tigreTintorera

Distinctive characteristics:Body stocky, snout short and roundedTwo large dorsal fins of about the same sizeUpper and lower teeth with straight erected cusp, smooth edged;base of upper teeth finely serrated, base of lower teeth smoothNo interdorsal ridge. No spiracle.Back yellowish grey, belly yellowish white


Fishing gears: nets, long-lines, lines

0m

92m

Negaprion brevirostrisRequin citronLemon sharkTubarão-limãoTiburon galano

34

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: coastal

Carcharhinidae


35

Distinctive characteristics:Body very slender; snout long and conical

Upper teeth dagger-shaped, with serrated edgesLower teeth with straight erected cusp, high and narrow,

edges serrated on tip onlyBack dark blue; tip of pectoral fins and anal fin dusky

Fishing gears: long-lines, seines

0m

200m

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

Prionace glaucaRequin peau bleue

Blue sharkTubarão-azul; tintureira

Tiburon azul

Distinctive characteristics:Body torpedo-shaped, snout long and pointedSecond dorsal fin smaller than the first oneA long ventral keel in front of the anal finTeeth similar in both jaws, with a narrow, strongly bent cusp, a deep notch and accessory cuspletsNo spiracleBack greyish brown; dorsal fins and anal fin with dusky edges



0m

200m

Rhizoprionodon acutusRequin à museau pointuMilk sharkTubarão-bicudoCazon lechoso

36

SHA

RK

S


Carcharhinidae

37

Distinctive characteristics:Anterior margin of head curved, with a weak

but conspicuous median notch Posterior margin of pelvic fins straight

Tip of pectoral fins dusky

Fishing gears: nets, long-lines, seines

0m

275m

SHA

RK

S


Sphyrnidae

Sphyrna lewiniRequin-marteau halicorne

Scalloped hammerheadTubarão-martelo-recortado

Cornuda comun




0m

80m

Sphyrna mokarranGrand requin-marteau Great hammerheadCornuda-gigante

38

SHA

RK

S


Sphyrnidae

Distinctive characteristics:Anterior margin of head almost straight, with a weak median notchFirst dorsal fin very high, falciform, with pointed apexPosterior margin of pelvic fins concaveTip of fins dusky in juveniles


39

Distinctive characteristics:Anterior margin of head strongly curved, without median notch

Posterior margin of pelvic fins slightly concaveFins usually plain coloured (no dusky markings)


0m

20m

SHA

RK

S

Habitat: continental shelf, coastal

Sphyrnidae

Sphyrna zygaenaRequin-marteau commun

Smooth hammerheadCornuda cruz

Rays

40

41

RA

YS

Ray morphology

pectoral fin

anterior pelvic lobe

disc length

eye

spiracleposterior pelvic lobe

clasper

1st dorsal fin 2nd dorsal fin

caudal fin

tail fold

pelvic innermargin

preorbital length

pectoralaxil

mediodorsal row ofthorns

alar thorns(male)

Distinctive characteristics:Saw with 14 to 23 pairs of rostral teethInterspace between the posterior rostral teeth 1 to 2 times greater than that between the anterior teethOrigin of the first dorsal fin in front of level of the pelvic fin originCaudal fin with a small but distinct ventral lobe



0m

30m

Pristis microdonPoisson-scie grandentGreattooth sawfishTubarão-serraPejesierra

42

RA

YS


Pristidae

Conservation: endangered

0m

30m


43

Distinctive characteristics:Saw with 20 to 32 pairs of rostral teeth

Interspace between the posterior rostral teeth 2 to 4 times greater than that between the anterior teeth

Origin of the first dorsal fin at level of the pelvic fin originCaudal fin without a distinct ventral lobe


RA

YS


Pristidae

Pristis pectinataPoisson-scie tidentSmalltooth sawfish

Tubarão-serraPejesierra


Distinctive characteristics:Saw with 16 to 20 pairs of rostral teethRostral teeth regularly spacedOrigin of the first dorsal fin at level of the pelvic fin originCaudal fin with a weak ventral lobe



0m

30m

Pristis pristisPoisson-scie communCommon sawfishTubarão-serraPez sierra comùn

44

RA

YS


Pristidae


0m

40m


45

Distinctive characteristics:Snout pointed

Caudal fin with differentiated dorsal and ventral lobesSpiracle with 2 dermal folds on their posterior margin

Several rows of thorny tubercles on back, shoulders and on the rostral cartilages

Back light brownish with light circular blotches, circled of black,and 2 larges blackish blotches on shoulders

Fishing gears: trawls, nets, lines

RA

YS


Rhynchobatidae

Rhynchobatus lübbertiPoisson-paille africain

African wedgefishViola-de-cunha

Pez cuña africano

Conservation: protected in Mauritania

Distinctive characteristics:Snout pointedRostral cartilages well separated on their whole lengthSpiracle with 2 dermal folds on their posterior marginNumerous small, circular, white blotches, circled of black and symmetrically arranged

Max. size: 80 cm LT


0m

35m

Rhinobatos (Rhinobatos) albomaculatusRaie-guitare à lunairesWhitespotted guitarfishViola-malhadaGuitarra pecosa

46

RA

YS


Rhinobatidae


47

Distinctive characteristics:Snout obtuse

Nasal valves extending onto the internasal space and almost connectedSpiracle with a single dermal fold on its posterior margin

Colour plain brownish; juveniles with a few small, light blotches

0m

30m

RA

YS

Habitat: coastal; on the bottom

Rhinobatidae

Rhinobatos (Acroteriobatus) blochiiRaie-guitare de BlochBluntnose guitarfishGuitarra embocada

Conservation: rare, to be preservedFishing gears: trawls, nets, lines

Distinctive characteristics:Snout pointedRostral cartilages separated by a narrow space, and getting closer forwardsSpiracle with 2 dermal folds on its posterior marginColour plain light brownish; usually a black blotch on tip on snout (on ventral surface)



0m

80m

Rhinobatos (Glaucostegus) cemiculusRaie-guitare fouisseuseBlackchin guitarfishViola-barba-negraGuitarra barbanegra

48

RA

YS


Rhinobatidae


49

Distinctive characteristics:Snout pointed

Rostral cartilages well separated on their whole lengthSpiracles with 2 dermal folds on their posterior margin

Back greenish brown with numerous irregular, light blotches, circled of black and forming an X between the eyes


0m

30m

RA

YS


Rhinobatidae

Rhinobatos (Rhinobatos) irvineiRaie-guitare d’IrvineSpineback guitarfish

Irvine guitarra



0m

90m

Rhinobatos (Rhinobatos) rhinobatosRaie-guitare communeCommon guitarfishGuitarra comum

50

RA

YS


Rhinobatidae

Distinctive characteristics:Snout pointedRostral cartilages well separated on their whole lengthSpiracles with 2 dermal folds on their posterior marginColour greenish brown, or reddish brown with faded greenish stripes, sometimes forming a V or an X between the eyes

Max. size: 60 cm LT

51

Distinctive characteristics:Disc almost circular with an obtuse snout

Tail well marked off the discConcentrically circles of small thorny tubercles on disc

Back greyish brown to greenish brown with dark brown transversalstripes; skin with a silky aspect

Fishing gears: trawls

0m

40m

10m

RA

YS


Zanobatidae

Zanobatus schoenleiniiRaie tigrée

Striped panrayRaia de altura

Distinctive characteristics:Disc almost circular and fleshySkin totally nakedSpiracle with 6-8 tentacles Colour variable, background reddish brown with brown marbles and irregular blotches



0m

370m

2m

Torpedo (Torpedo) marmorataTorpille marbréeSpotted torpedoDormideira

52

RA

YS


Torpedinidae

Max. size: 60 cm LT

53

Distinctive characteristics:Disc circular and fleshy

Skin totally nakedSpiracle with tentacles often reduced to knobs

Back brown to reddish brown, usually with 5 large blue ocelli ,circled by black and yellow rings


0m

70m

RA

YS


Torpedinidae

Torpedo (Torpedo) torpedoTorpille ocellée

Ocellate torpedoTremelga-de-olhosTremolina comùn

Distinctive characteristics:Disc circular and fleshySkin totally nakedSpiracle with 9 – 11 small tentacles not converging to centre of spiracleDorsal colour very variegated with numerous light and dark blotches forming rosettes

Max. size: 60 cm LT


0m

60m

Torpedo (Torpedo) bauchotaeTorpille à rosettesRosette torpedoTremelga roseta

54

RA

YS


Torpedinidae

Rare: should be preserved

Max. size: 40 cm LT

55

Distinctive characteristics:Disc circular and fleshy

Skin totally nakedSpiracle with smooth margin, without any tentacles

Back greyish brown with a few small, irregular, brown or whiteblotches, scattered on disc and tail


0m

50m

30m

RA

YS


Torpedinidae

Torpedo (Tetronarce) mackayanaTorpille de McKayMcKay electric ray

Tremolina de McKay

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge with a pointed snoutBack and tail covered with thorny denticles and strong thornsBack ochre brown with small black blotches scattered on disc and a large tricolour ocellus on each pectoral centre

Max. size: 63 cm LT


0m

300m

10m

Raja miraletusRaie-miroirTwineye skateRaia-de-dois-olhosRaya de espejas

56

RA

YS

Habitat: continental shelf, on the bottom

Rajidae

Max. size: 85 cm LT

57

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge with a pointed snout

Back and tail covered with thorny denticles, strong thorns above eyes, on nape and shoulders; a mediodorsal row from nape to first dorsal fin

Back brown with black blotches and spots, symmetrically arranged,sometimes forming rosettes in the centre of the pectoral fins


0m

800m

80m

RA

YS

Habitat: outer shelf and continental slope

Rajidae

Raja straeleniRaie tachetéeBiscuit skate

Raia manchada

0m

90m

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge, snout obtuseTail whip-like, very thorny, with strong sting at baseA low dorsal keel below the stingA cutaneous fold under the tailBack rough with large thorny tubercles scattered on discColour plain brown or greenish brown

Max. size: ± 2 m disc width

Fishing gears: trawls, bottom long-lines

Dasyatis centrouraPastenague à queue épineuseRoughtail stingrayUge-de-cardasRaya latigo isleña

58

RA

YS


Dasyatidae

59

Distinctive characteristics:Disc oval with a pointed snout

Tail whip-like with a sting at baseA low and short dorsal keel below the sting

A short cutaneous fold under the tailA central belt of rounded denticles, developing with growth

A large pearl-like tubercle in the middle of the backJaws strongly undulated

Colour plain light brown

Fishing gears: trawls, beach seines

0m

30m

RA

YS


Dasyatidae

Dasyatis margaritaPastenague –marguerite

Daisy stingrayUge-margarida

Raya-latigo margarita

Max. size: 65 cm disc width

Distinctive characteristics:

Disc oval with a pointed snoutTail whip-like with a sting at baseA low and short dorsal keel below the stingA short cutaneous fold under the tailA central belt of rounded denticles, developing with growthA large pearl-like tubercle in the middle of the backJaws weakly undulatedColour plain light brown


Fishing gears:nets,

beach seines

0m

60m

Dasyatis margaritellaPastenague perléePearl stingrayPequeña raya-latigo margarita

60

RA

YS


Dasyatidae


61

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge with an obtuse snoutTail whip-like with a sting at baseA long dorsal keel below the sting

A long cutaneous fold under the tailSkin naked except for a mediodorsal row of small thorny tubercles

Colour plain greyish or greenish brown

Fishing gears: trawls, beach seines, nets

0m

200m

RA

YS


Dasyatidae

Dasyatis pastinacaPastenague commune

Common stingrayRaya-latigo comùn


Disc lozenge, snout obtuseTail whip-like with a sting at baseA short dorsal keel below the stingA cutaneous fold under the tail twice as long as the stingSkin totally nakedBack brownish with blue and golden marbles


Fishing gears: trawls, beach seines, nets

0m

100m

Dasyatis marmorataPastenague marbréeBlue stingrayChucho marmolado

62

RA

YS


Dasyatidae


63

Distinctive characteristics:Disc almost circular

Tail relatively short and thick, with a stingNo dorsal keel below the stingA cutaneous fold under the tail

Back rough with a few large thorny tuberclesColour plain brown to reddish brown, with small black blotches in juveniles


0m

300m

RA

YS


Dasyatidae

Taeniura grabataPastenague africaine

Round stingrayRatão

Chucho redondo

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge in its horizontal axisSpiracle with a tentacle on its posterior margin1 or 2 stings on tailBack with variegated marbles and blotchesTail with transversal bands, alternatively light and dark

Max. size: ± 2 m disc width


0m

55m

Gymnura altavelaRaie-papillon épineuseSpiny butterfly rayUge-mataRaya mariposa

64

RA

YS


Gymnuridae

65

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge in its horizontal axis

Spiracle without tentacle on posterior marginNo sting on tail

Back with variegated reticulations and blotchesTail with only 3 – 4 transversal bands, light and dark


0m

30m

RA

YS


Gymnuridae

Gymnura micruraRaie-papillon glabre

Smooth butterfly rayUge-borboletaRata mariposa


Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozengeHead distinct from disc, forming a rostrumPectoral fins wing-like with pointed tipsTail whip-like with 1 or several stingsand a small dorsal fin at base

Teeth plate-like arranged in a single seriesBack greyish brown with numerous light blotches


Fishing gears: trawls, nets, seines, lines

0m

50m

Aetobatus narinariAigle de mer léopardSpotted eagle rayRatão-leopardoChucho pintado

66

RA

YS

Habitat: coastal, on the bottom and in open water

Myliobatidae


67


Disc lozengeHead distinct from disc, forming a rostrum

Pectoral fins wing-like with pointed tipsTail whip-like with 1 or several stings

and a small dorsal fin at baseTeeth plate-like arranged in 7 series

The lateral plates are smaller than the median oneColour plain greenish brown or yellowish

0m

100m

RA

YS


Myliobatidae

Myliobatis aquilaAigle de mer commun

Common eagle rayChuco

Aquila marina

Fishing gears: trawls, nets, seines

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozengeHead distinct from disc, forming a rostrumPectoral fins wing-like with pointed tipsTail whip-like with 1 or several stingsand a small dorsal fin at baseTeeth plate-like arranged in 7 seriesThe lateral plates are smaller than the median oneColour greenish brown with 5 to 9 transversal dark stripes


0m

100m

Pteromylaeus bovinusAigle-vachetteBullrayBispoCuhcho vaca

68

RA

YS


Myliobatidae


69

Distinctive characteristics:Disc lozenge

Head distinct with snout notchedTail whip-like with 1 sting and a small dorsal fin at base Teeth plate-like arranged in 9 series (sometimes 8 or 10)

Median plates larger than the lateral ones Colour plain greenish or greyish brown

0m

30m

RA

YS


Rhinopteridae

Rhinoptera marginataMourine lusitanienne

Lusitanian cownoseGavião-do-mar

Gavilàn lusitànico



Distinctive characteristics:Head wide: more than 20% of disc widthMouth terminal in position (genus Manta)Teeth on lower jaw onlyBack dark; sometimes with small light blotchesBelly white, often with large, irregular, dark botches

Max. size: 7 m disc width


In surface

Manta birostrisManteGiant manta rayUrjamanta, JamantaManta voladora

70

RA

YS

Habitat: coastal, in open water

Mobulidae


71

Distinctive characteristics:Head less than 20 % of disc width

Mouth subterminal in position (genus Mobula)Teeth present on both jaws

Tooth band of lower jaw less than 50 % ofmouth width

No sting on tailBack dark blue


In surface

RA

YS

Habitat: coastal, in open water

Mobulidae

Mobula rochebruneiPetit diable de mer de Guinée

Lesser Guinean devilrayJamanta-da-Guiné

Diablito de Guinea

Squatina squatina ...................P12

Alopias vulpinus ......................P16

Mustelus mustelus ...................P20

Ginglymostoma cirratum.........P13

Isurus oxyinchus .....................P17

Paragaleus pectoralis ..............P21

Squatina aculeata....................P10

Rhincodon typus ......................P14

Leptocharias smithii ................P18

Carcharhinus altimus..............P22

Squatina oculata .....................P11

Alopias superciliosus................P15

Galeorhinus galeus ..................P19

Carcharhinus amboinensis ......P23

72

SharksP8

Carcharhinus brachyurus........P24

Carcharhinus limbatus ............P28

Carcharhinus signatus.............P32

Rhizoprionodon acutus ............P36

Carcharhinus brevipinna.........P25

Carcharhinus longimanus........P29

Galeocerdo cuvier....................P33

Sphyrna lewini ........................P37

Carcharhinus falciformis .........P26

Carcharhinus obscurus............P30

Negaprion brevirostris .............P34

Sphyrna mokarran..................P38

Carcharhinus leucas ................P27

Carcharhinus plumbeus...........P31

Prionace glauca.......................P35

Sphyrna zygaena.....................P39

73

Rhinobatos cemiculus ..............P48

Torpedo marmorata ................P52

Rhynchobatus lübberti .............P45

Rhinobatos irvinei ...................P49

Torpedo torpedo ......................P53

Rhinobatos albomaculatus .......P46

Rhinobatos rhinobatos .............P50

Torpedo bauchotae ..................P54

Rhinobatos blochii ...................P47

Zanobatus schoenleinii ............P51

Torpedo mackayana ................P55

74

RaysP40

Raja miraletus.........................P56

Dasyatis margaritella..............P60

Gymnura altavela ...................P64

Pteromylaeus bovinus..............P68

Raja straeleni ..........................P57

Dasyatis pastinaca ..................P61

Gymnura micrura...................P65

Rhinoptera marginata .............P69

Dasyatis centroura ..................P58

Dasyatis marmorata ...............P62

Aetobatus narinari ..................P66

Manta birostris........................P70

Dasyatis margarita .................P59

Taeniura grabata.....................P63

Myliobatis aquila.....................P67

Mobula rochebrunei ................P71

75

B e r n a r d S É R E TI R D & M N H N



2006

This field guide is designed for the needs of the biologists and fishery observers: its aim is tohelp them in the identification of the main species of sharks and rays occurring off the West-Africancoasts. Its simple design was elaborated on purpose: the distinctive features of the different species aresummarized and the texts providing information on size, biology, habitat and fisheries were reduced tothe main points. These data are presented around a central drawing representing the shark or ray species;detailed drawings (snout, teeth) are provided when they are useful for the identification. Plates of colourpictures complete the illustration and make easier the identification of the species.

Thanks to this guide, the catches of sharks and rays could be recorded by species; this wouldimprove the quality of the fishery statistics and allow a better management of the shark and ray populations in West Africa.

Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN - CITES · Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN Identification guide of the main...

Documents

Transcript of Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN - CITES · Bernard SÉRET IRD & MNHN Identification guide of the main...