Field Guide for Sharks of the Genus Carcharhinus

All known and relevant data and features to enable an identification of sharks of the genus Carcharhinus (BLAINVILLE 1816) are summarised and visualised in this book. The introduced species are difficult to separate for somebody who is not experienced in identifying sharks. An identification key is given to determine and to differentiate the species. For each species an extended list of characters is given including coloured figures to show the lateral and ventral view, a detailed view of nostril and teeth, and in some cases of juveniles and special characters. Further, data on body size and appearance, colouration, tooth formula and shape, numbers of vertebrae, on other internal and external characters, the geographical distribution, preferred habitat and food spectrum are presented. In addition, biological and reproductional data are included, e. g. number of young per litter, size at birth, size at sexual maturity, as well as behaviour and migrational patterns.
Most of the previous works about Carcharhinus listed and discussed a maximum of 30 species. In contrast, this field guide describes 33 species, six species with special notes of the authors. Further, a possible subdivision of the spinner shark, C. brevipinna, in an Atlantic and Pacific subspecies is briefly discussed. An almost unknown species, C. acarenatus, formerly considered a synonym of C. brachyurus, is introduced. A very rare species, C. leiodon, which was hitherto recorded only once by GARRICK (1985), is included and controversially discussed. Another species in dispute, Carcharhinus sp. A, mentioned by COMPAGNO et al. (2005) as new member of the genus, is comprised and discussed.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

From the contents:

Foreword 6
Preface 7
Acknowledgments 8
Introduction 9
Aims of this book 9
Evolution of sharks fossil records 9
Taxonomic classification of sharks 10
Short introduction to general biology and anatomy of sharks (genus Carcharhinus) 10
Morphology 10
Senses 12
Teeth 12
Buoyancy and breathing 12
Reproduction 12
Distribution and behaviour 12
Sexual dimorphism 13
Preparation of this book 13
Materials and Methods 13
Key to species 13
Systematic arrangement 13
Generic synonyms 14
Examination of specimens 14
Species characterisations 14
Coloured figures of species 15
Species synonyms 15
Diagnostic features 15
Dental formula and tooth morphology 16
Colouration 17
Size 17
Misidentifications 17
Geographical Distribution 17
Habitat preference 18
General biological issues 18
Reproductive Biology 18
Food spectrum 18
Red list status 18
Tables and Graphs 18
Detailed photographs of dentition 18
Measurements 19
Technical terms 23
Key to genera and species 31
Key to genera 31
Key to species of the genus Carcharhinus 32
Species characterisations 35
Carcharhinus acarenatus 35
Carcharhinus acronotus 37
Carcharhinus albimarginatus 39
Carcharhinus altimus 41
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides 43
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos 45
Carcharhinus amboinensis 47
Carcharhinus borneensis 49
Carcharhinus brachyurus 51
Carcharhinus brevipinna 53
Carcharhinus cautus 56
Carcharhinus dussumieri 58
Carcharhinus falciformis 60
Carcharhinus fitzroyensis 62
Carcharhinus galapagensis 64
Carcharhinus hemiodon 66
Carcharhinus isodon 68
Carcharhinus leiodon 70
Carcharhinus leucas 72
Carcharhinus limbatus 75
Carcharhinus longimanus 77
Carcharhinus macloti 80
Carcharhinus melanopterus 82
Carcharhinus obscurus 84
Carcharhinus perezii 87
Carcharhinus plumbeus 89
Carcharhinus porosus 91
Carcharhinus sealei 93
Carcharhinus signatus 95
Carcharhinus sorrah 97
Carcharhinus tilstoni 99
Carcharhinus wheeleri 101
Species in question 103
Carcharhinus sp. A. 103
Tables 104
Graphs 113
Detailed photographsof dentition 121
Abbreviations 138
Bibliography 139
Index of Scientific and Vernacular Names 148