First record of Heptranchias perlo (Bonnaterre 1788) in Guatemala's Caribbean Sea

Abstract

Background: This report represents the first record of the sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo in Guatemala's Caribbean Sea. Methods: Two H. perlo specimens were captured by artisanal fishermen of the coastal community, El Quetzalito. All specimens were captured with a trammel net, in waters of 200 m depth Results: Both specimens were female with total lengths of 280 and 370 mm. Details regarding the identification and measurement of both specimens are presented. Conclusion: These specimens represent the first record of both species in Guatemalan waters. Also, this report further increases the species' range of distribution in the Caribbean and Central America.