Notes on the population structure of the piked spurdog (Squalus megalops) in southeastern Australia

Abstract

Opportunistic sampling suggested a complex population structure for Squalus megalops in southeastern Australia. A total of 929 sharks were analyzed. The sex ratio was biased towards females and there was sexual size dimorphism, with females attaining a larger maximum size than males. Individual analysis of selected fishing shots suggested that S. megalops had a complex population structure, and was segregated by sex, size and breeding condition. Small females and males segregated from large females. In addition, large females in the first year of pregnancy seemed to be separated from those in the second year of pregnancy.