Claves taxonómicas, basadas en la morfología de la aleta caudal, para la determinación de tiburones (Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii) de las costas de Chile

Abstract

The role of shark's caudal fin has been studied from a morpho-functional point of view, in which it is established that participates in the fish locomotion, as well as in the prey capture by Alopiidae species. However, this trait has been scarcely used in taxonomic studies. Given the interspecific variation of this structure, it is hypothesized that might be used as a morphologic character for the species identification. Because of this, the preparations of taxonomic keys based on morphological specific characteristics of the caudal fin are needed, mainly when partially destroyed specimens are studied. This study proposes taxonomic keys for the 58 sharks species registered in Chile. These keys were made with the aim to be used in diagnosis and specific taxonomic identification of this fish group, as a complement or as an independent way, with relation to the already existent ones.