New records and preliminary reproductive aspects of elasmobranchs of the trindade-martin vaz insular complex

Abstract

Here we presented records of elasmobranchs obtained during a longline pelagic fishing monitoring around the Trindade-Martin Vaz insular complex, including one new record. New information on the reproductive aspects of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and pelagic stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) suggest the use of this area as mating and parturition ground for these species. The most abundant species was the P. glauca (N = 65), followed by shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus (N = 12). We also recorded for the first time the smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena (N = 3) and the bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus (N = 2), and other shark species previous reported for the insular complex, including the oceanic whitetip Carcharhinus longimanus (N = 2), and the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier (N = 1). Our findings highlight the importance of further studies at the Trindade-Martin Vaz insular complex considering the pelagic biodiversity and reproductive aspects of elasmobranchs.