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Title: Pristiophorus lanae sp. nov., a new sawshark species from the western north Pacific, with comments on the genus Pristiophorus Müller & Henle, 1837 (Chondrichthyes: Pristiophoridae)
Description: A new species of sawshark, Pristiophorus lanae sp. nov., is described from off the Philippine Islands. The new species is the second member of the genus Pristiophorus described from the western North Pacific and can be separated from its closest geographic congener, P. japonicus, by having fewer rostral teeth in front of rostral barbels (17-26 versus 25-32), mouth at corners extending forward to below the rear margin of the eye versus extending below the rear one-third of eye margin, a greater mouth width at 6.9-7.8 times into pre-oral length (versus 5.8-6.9), eye length into head length (15.6-15.9 versus 9.8-13.2), mouth width into head length 9.0-10.0 versus 7.4-8.5 times, head width at nostrils 5.2-6.1 times into pre-orbital length versus 3.9-4.9 times, shorter prebarbel length (from snout tip to barbel) of 50.7-54.5% of preoral length versus 53.6-59.2%, a snout angle of 10.6-13.0° versus 12.4°-14.6°, and lateral trunk denticles with flat crowns that are imbricated versus erect crowns that are not imbricated. The number of monospondylous vertebrae is slightly lower in P. lanae (43-48) versus P. japonicus (51-52). The genus is reviewed, with a revised key to its species presented. © 2013 Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):1, Export Date: 11 February 2014, Source: Scopus
Author: Ebert, Wilms
Date: 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An overview on the role of Hexanchiformes in marine ecosystems,
Description: The large size, high trophic level and wide distribution of Hexanchiformes (cow and frilled sharks) should position this order as important apex predators in coastal and deep-water ecosystems. This review synthesizes available information on Hexanchiformes, including information not yet published, with the purpose of evaluating their conservation status and assessing their ecological roles in the dynamics of marine ecosystems. Comprising six species, this group has a wide global distribution, with members occurring from shallow coastal areas to depths of c. 2500 m. The limited information available on their reproductive biology suggests that they could be vulnerable to overexploitation (e.g. small litter sizes for most species and suspected long gestation periods). Most of the fishing pressure exerted on Hexanchiformes is in the form of commercial by-catch or recreational fishing. Comprehensive stock and impact assessments are unavailable for most species in most regions due to limited information on life history and catch and abundance time series. When hexanchiform species have been commercially harvested, however, they have been unable to sustain targeted fisheries for long periods. The potentially high vulnerability to intense fishing pressure warrants a conservative exploitation of this order until thorough quantitative assessments are conducted. At least some species have been shown to be significant apex predators in the systems they inhabit. Should Hexanchiformes be removed from coastal and deep-water systems, the lack of sympatric shark species that share the same resources suggests no other species would be capable of fulfilling their apex predator role in the short term. This has potential ecosystem consequences such as meso-predator release or trophic cascades. This review proposes some hypotheses on the ecology of Hexanchiformes and their role in ecosystem dynamics, highlighting the areas where critical information is required to stimulate research directions. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2012 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles., CODEN: JFIBA, , , Fish and Fisheries
Author: Barnett, Braccini, Awruch, Ebert
Date: 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Diet, feeding behaviour and habitat utilisation of the blue stingray Dasyatis chrysonota (Smith, 1828) in South African waters,
Description: Analysis of stomach contents for Dasyatis chrysonota revealed that diet varied with size and habitat. The diet of all size classes in the surf zone was comprised primarily of Callianassa spp., Donax spp. and unidentified polychaete species. The medium and large size classes fed primarily on Donax spp., whereas the very large size class fed mainly on Callianassa spp. Polychaetes were of secondary importance as prey for the medium size class. The diet of D. chiysonota in the nearshore zone consisted mainly of Balanoglossus capensis and Callianassa spp. Balanoglossus capensis decreased from an index of relative importance (IRI) of 75.3% for the medium size class to 59.9% for the very large size class, whereas Callianassa spp. increased from 22.8% to 39.4% between the medium and the very large size classes. The offshore zone was the only area in which small size class D. chrysonota were caught. The diet of these small D. chrysonota was primarily polychaetes and amphipods. Polychaetes increased in importance in the medium size class, but declined in each successively larger size class. Conversely, Pterygosquilla armata capensis became the single most important prey item for the very large size class, comprising an IRI of 50.9%. The behaviour pattern used by D. chrysonota to locate and extract prey is described., Cited By (since 1996):27, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: AJMFA, ,
Author: Ebert, Cowley
Date: 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A revision of the western North Pacific swellsharks, genus Cephaloscyllium Gill 1862 (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae), including descriptions of two new species.,
Description: The genus Cephaloscyllium Gill 1862 (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) until recently had only two species recognized, C. isabellum [= C. umbratile (Jordan & Fowler 1903)] and C. fasciatum Chan 1966, from the western North Pacific (WNP), with one dubious species, C. formosanum, having been described by Teng in 1962. Recently, three additional species were described, C. circulopullum Yano et al. 2005, C. sarawakensis Yano et al. 2005, and C. parvum Inoue & Nakaya 2006 from this region. Here we present a revision of this genus for the WNP, including redescriptions of C. fasciatum and C. umbratile based on the holotypes, a re-examination of the recently described species, and descriptions of two new species from Taiwan. Cephaloscyllium umbratile can be distinguished from its congeners based on maximum size, length of first dorsal-fin base, anal-caudal space, and dorsal-caudal space. We conclude, based on a comparison of C. parvum and C. sarawakensis, that the former is a junior synonym of the latter species. The two new Taiwanese species can be separated from other WNP species by color pattern, shape of the anterior nasal flap, anal and dorsal-fin size, internarial width, and mouth size. Finally, we present a revised dichotomous key to the WNP Cephaloscyllium recognizing six contemporary taxa: C. circulopullum, C. fasciatum, C. sarawakensis, C. umbratile, C. pardelotum sp. nov. and C. maculatum sp. nov. Copyright © 2008 Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):2, , , Fish and Fisheries
Author: Schaaf-Da Silva, Ebert
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Chlamydoselachus africana, a new species of frilled shark from southern Africa (Chondrichthyes, Hexanchiformes, Chlamydoselachidae),
Description: Frilled sharks (Chondrichthyes, Hexanchiformes, Chlamydoselachidae), long believed to be a monotypic family and genus, consisting of a single wide ranging species, Chlamydoselachus anguineus (Garman, 1884), is now known to contain at least two species. A new species of frilled shark, Chlamydoselachus africana, sp. nov., is described from five specimens collected from southern Africa. The new species, although difficult to distinguish externally from the well known C. anguineus, differ internally by the structural differences in the chondrocranium, lower total vertebral and spiral valve counts, and pectoral-fin radial counts. The new species, Chlamydoselachus africana, is known from off southern Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. © 2009 · Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):3, Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproductive biology of catsharks (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) off the west coast of southern Africa,
Description: This study presents information on the reproductive biology of five southern African catshark species: Apristurus microps, A. saldanha, Apristurus sp., Galeus polli, and Scyliorhinus capensis. They were caught between Walvis Bay, Namibia, and Cape Agulhas, South Africa, from 50 to 1016 m deep. The reproductive mode of four species was oviparous, whereas G. polli exhibited aplacental viviparity. Males of all species attained first maturity slightly larger than females, and males of the four oviparous species attained a larger LTmax than females. The length at 50% maturity was similar for males and females in most species. All species matured at an LT > 75% of LTmax except for male Apristurus spp. and female G. polli, which matured at 71.2% and 68.8%, respectively, of LTmax. The egg case of A. microps has minute tendrils, whereas those of S. capensis were quite long, suggesting different egg-laying habitats. Fecundity in G. polli ranged from 5 to 13, and litter size increased in relation to increased female length. Embryos of G. polli were large, each measuring approximately 30% of female LT. Neonates of G. polli were common and appear to have a demersal lifestyle; those of the four oviparous species were entirely absent from the study. Gravid A. microps were found in summer and winter, indicating a protracted breeding cycle, but reproductively active S. capensis were caught only in winter. Prior to this study, reproductive information on these catsharks was largely lacking. © 2006 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea., Cited By (since 1996):23, CODEN: ICESE, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno, Cowley
Date: 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Chimaera notafricana sp. nov. (Chondrichthyes: Chimaeriformes: Chimaeridae), a new species of chimaera from southern Africa,
Description: A new species of chimaera, Chimaera notafricana sp. nov., is described from specimens collected off the west and south coasts of southern Africa. The new species is distinguished from its closest congener, the eastern North Atlantic Chimaera monstrosa, by a combination of morphometric characters and coloration: pectoral fin when depressed reaches to origin of pelvic fin base; caudal fin ventral margin terminating slightly posterior to caudal fin dorsal margin insertion; distance from anterior base of dorsal-fin spine to center of supratemporal canal short (6.5-14.8% HDL); pelvic claspers externally trifid and short (12.1-12.3% BDL), divided for distal one-third of length, not extending past distal tip of pelvic fins; uniform blackish brown with dark bluish streaking, precaudal tail with longitudinal light and dark stripes. This new species has a restricted distribution from Lüderitz, Namibia to south of Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Copyright © 2010 Magnolia Press., Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Kemper, Ebert, Compagno, Didier
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Food habits of the sandpaper skate, Bathyraja kincaidii (Garman, 1908) off central California,
Description: The stomachs of 130 sandpaper skates, Bathyraja kincaidii (Garman, 1908), were sampled from off central California to determine their diet composition. The overall diet was dominated by euphausiids, but shrimps, polychaetes and squids were also important secondary prey. A three-factor MANOVA demonstrated significant differences in the diet by sex, maturity status and oceanographic season using numeric and gravimetric measures of importance for the major prey categories. These three main factors explained more variation in diet than interactions between the factors, and season explained the most variance overall. A detailed analysis of the seasonal variation among the prey categories indicated that abundance changes in the most important prey, euphausiids, were coupled with seasonal changes in the importance of other prey. When upwelling occurred and productivity was great (Upwelling and Oceanic seasons), euphausiids were likely highly abundant in the study area and were the most important prey for B. kincaidii. As productivity declined (Davidson Current season), euphausiids appeared to decrease in abundance and B. kincaidii switched to secondary prey. At that time, gammarid amphipods and shrimps became the most important prey items and polychaetes, mysids and euphausiids were secondary. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):15, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Rinewalt, Ebert, Cailliet
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Age, growth, and maturity of the whitebrow skate, Bathyraja minispinosa, from the eastern Bering Sea,
Description: Skates are a common bycatch in groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea; however, their life-history characteristics are not well known. The study is the first to investigate the age, growth, and age at maturity of Bathyraja minispinosa. Ages were estimated using sectioned vertebrae and several growth models were compared. The Gompertz model was the best fit and no significant differences were detected between sexes for any model. The maximum age estimated was 37 years, and parameter estimates generated from the three-parameter von Bertalanffy model were k 0.02 year -1 and L∞ 146.9 cm total length (TL). Males reached their size at 50 maturity larger than females (70.1 and 67.4 cm, respectively), but no significant differences in the estimated size or age at maturity were found. Whereas B. minispinosa is smaller than many skate species in the eastern Bering Sea, it has a considerably longer estimated lifespan, indicating that size may not be a reliable method of estimating the vulnerability of a rajid species to population declines in the eastern North Pacific. © 2011 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea., Cited By (since 1996):1, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: ICESE, ,
Author: Ainsley, Ebert, Cailliet
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Lost and found: Recovery of the holotype of the ocellated angelshark, Squatina tergocellatoides Chen, 1963 (Squatinidae), with comments on western Pacific squatinids
Description: The ocellated angelshark, Squatina tergocellatoides, Chen, 1963 is redescribed from the holotype, which was thought to be lost. Its recent recovery has allowed for a revised description, including new data, and comparison to other Western Pacific squatinids. Squatina tergocellatoides can be distinguished from its congeners by three pairs of prominent large black spots, each with a diameter greater than eye length; two on each pectoral fin at anterior and posterior angles and one on each side near the tail base; another three pairs of lesser defined spots, one large spot on base of each dorsal fin and one located laterally on each side of tail located below first dorsal fin. Ventral surface is uniformly white to cream coloured, and margins of pectoral fins and tail similar in colour to dorsal side. Pectoral fins with angular lateral apices and rounded posterior lobe, pelvic fin tips not reaching origin of first dorsal fin, strongly fringed nasal barbels, small inter-orbital space, head and mouth lengths, broad internarial width and pelvic fin base, a very small pelvic girdle width, and a caudal fin with triangular ventral lobe greater in length than dorsal lobe. Comments on additional specimens are provided, as well as observations on biogeography. A review of western Pacific squatinids is also provided. © 2013 Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):1, Export Date: 11 February 2014
Author: Theiss, Ebert
Date: 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Morphological characters of the thickbody skate Amblyraja frerichsi (Krefft 1968) (Rajiformes: Rajidae), with notes on its biology
Description: Detailed descriptions of morphological features, morphometrics, neurocranium anatomy, clasper structure and egg case descriptions are provided for the thickbody skate Amblyraja frerichsi; a rare, deep-water species from Chile, Argentina and Falkland Islands. The species diagnosis is complemented from new observations and aspects such as colour, size and distribution are described. Geographic and bathymetric distributional ranges are discussed as relevant features of this taxońs biology. Additionally, the conservation status is assessed including bycatch records from Chilean fisheries. © 2012 Bustamante et al., Art. No.: e39963, Downloaded from: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0039963 (12 June 2014).
Author: Bustamante, Lamilla, Concha, Ebert, Bennett
Date: 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproduction and embryonic development of the blue stingray, Dasyatis chrysonota, in southern African waters,
Description: Dasyatis chrysonota is perhaps the most common of the 14 whiptail stingray (Chondrichthyes: Dasyatidae) species known to frequent the temperate coastal waters of southern Africa and like other stingrays they possess life history characteristics that make them vulnerable to over-exploitation. First and 50% maturity (Dw50) were determined for 153 males and 204 females from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Disc width (Dw) for first and Dw50 maturity was estimated at 392mm and 395mm Dw, respectively for males and at 500mm and 505mm Dw, respectively for females. The reproductive cycle of males, based on gonadosomatic (GSI) and hepatosomoatic (HSI) indices indicates that they are most active during the spring. Females appear to have an annual reproductive cycle with a maximum HSI occurring during the summer and autumn, but it declines steadily through the birthing season reaching a low in the late spring. Fecundity, following a nine month gestation period, averages 2.8 with a range of 17. Embryos at six different development stages are described. Dasyatis chrysonota, like other dasyatids, exhibit life history characteristics that make them vulnerable to overexploitation, therefore a precautionary management strategy is advised for this species. © 2009 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom., Cited By (since 1996):4, CODEN: JMBAA, ,
Author: Ebert, Cowley
Date: 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Preliminary observations of population genetics and relatedness of the broadnose sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianus, in two northeast Pacific estuaries
Description: The broadnose sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianus, a common coastal species in the eastern North Pacific, was sampled during routine capture and tagging operations conducted from 2005-2012. One hundred and thirty three biopsy samples were taken during these research operations in Willapa Bay, Washington and in San Francisco Bay, California. Genotypic data from seven polymorphic microsatellites (derived from the related sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus) were used to describe N. cepedianus genetic diversity, population structure and relatedness. Diversity within N. cepedianus was found to be low to moderate with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.41, expected heterozygosity of 0.53, and an average of 5.1 alleles per microsatellite locus. There was no evidence of a recent population bottleneck based on genetic data. Analyses of genetic differences between the two sampled estuaries suggest two distinct populations with some genetic mixing of sharks sampled during 2005-2006. Relatedness within sampled populations was high, with percent relatedness among sharks caught in the same area indicating 42.30% first-order relative relationships (full or half siblings). Estuary-specific familial relationships suggest that management of N. cepedianus on the U.S. West Coast should incorporate stock-specific management goals to conserve this ecologically important predator. © 2015 Larson et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited., Export Date: 24 July 2015
Author: Larson, Farrer, Lowry, Ebert
Date: 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproductive biology of two commercially exploited skates, Raja binoculata and R. rhina, in the western Gulf of Alaska,
Description: This study provides the first detailed information on the reproductive biology of two large and abundant eastern North Pacific Ocean skate species: big skate (Raja binoculata) and longnose skate (Raja rhina). Skates were collected in the western Gulf of Alaska during 2005 and 2006 after a targeted fishery for these two species developed around Kodiak Island, Alaska; both species are also taken as by-catch to other fisheries. A total of 307 females (20.1-183.3 cm TL) and 138 males (19.5-143.7 cm TL) R. binoculata, and 354 females (18.1-145.0 cm TL) and 318 males (21.1-135.8 cm TL) R. rhina were collected. Female R. binoculata were found to attain first (e.g., smallest individual) maturity at 125.8 cm TL and 50% at 148.6 cm TL. Males were found to attain first and 50% maturity at 124.0 and 119.2 cm TL, respectively. No gravid female R. binoculata, with egg cases in utero, were encountered during the study. Female R. rhina were found to attain first and 50% maturity at 102.2 and 113.1 cm TL, respectively. Gravid female R. rhina, with egg cases in utero, were recorded throughout the sampling period. Males attained first maturity at 101.0 cm TL and 50% maturity at 102.9 cm TL. Histological analysis did not reveal significant changes in spermatocyst production for either species during the sampling period. Both species appear to be reproductively active year-round as no seasonal cycle was evident. This study provides new and essential information on the reproductive biology of these two commercially targeted skate species. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Cited By (since 1996):8, CODEN: FISRD, ,
Author: Ebert, Smith, Cailliet
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Standardized diet compositions and trophic levels of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei),
Description: Skates by virtue of their abundance and widespread occurrence appear to play an influential role in the food webs of demersal marine communities. However, few quantitative dietary studies have been conducted on this elasmobranch group. Therefore, to better understand the ecological role of skates, standardized diet compositions and trophic level (TL) values were calculated from quantitative studies, and compared within and among skate and shark taxa. Prey items were grouped into 11 general categories to facilitate standardized diet composition and TL calculations. Trophic level values were calculated for 60 skate species with TL estimates ranging from 3.48 to 4.22 (mean TL = 3.80 ± 0.02 SE). Standardized diet composition results revealed that decapods and fishes were the main prey taxa of most skate species followed by amphipods and polychaetes. Correspondingly, cluster analysis of diet composition data revealed four major trophic guilds, each dominated by one of these prey groups. Fish and decapod guilds were dominant comprising 39 of 48 species analyzed. Analysis of skate families revealed that the Arhynchobatidae and Rajidae had similar TL values of 3.86 and 3.79 (t-test, P = 0.27), respectively. The Anacanthobatidae were represented by a single species, Cruriraja parcomaculata, with a TL of 3.53. Statistical comparison of TL values calculated for five genera (Bathyraja, Leucoraja, Raja, Rajella, Rhinoraja) revealed a significant difference between Bathyraja and Rajella (t-test, P = 0.03). A positive correlation was observed between TL and total length (L T) with larger skates (e.g. >100 cm L T) tending to have a higher calculated TL value (>3.9). Skates were found to occupy TLs similar to those of several co-occurring demersal shark families including the Scyliorhinidae, Squatinidae, and Triakidae. Results from this study support recent assertions that skates utilize similar resources to those of other upper trophic-level marine predators, e.g. seabirds, marine mammals, and sharks. These preliminary findings will hopefully encourage future research into the trophic relationships and ecological impact of these interesting and important demersal predators. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):38, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Ebert, Bizzarro
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: First eastern pacific records of the longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, guitar-manday, 1966,
Description: Cited By (since 1996):1, , ,
Author: Ebert
Date: 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproductive biology of deep-sea catsharks (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) in the eastern North Pacific,
Description: Apristurus brunneus, A. kampae, and Parmaturus xaniurus were caught by trawl and longline between Washington and southern California (48°N to 32°N latitude) from June 2001 through October 2004. In females, oviducal gland width increased with TL in all three species but remained within 4 to 6% of TL. Oocyte diameter increased with TL during reproductive development in all species, and continued to increase with size after reproductive maturity was reached. The weight-length relationships differed significantly among species but not between sexes of any species from the eastern North Pacific combined. Using logistic regression, it was determined that total length at 50% maturity (TL50) of A. brunneus males was 514 mm TL and all A. brunneus males were mature at 547 mm TL. Female A. brunneus reached TL50 at 501 mm TL and all female A. brunneus were mature at 581 mm TL. Apristurus kampae males and females reached TL50 at approximately 485 mm TL and 490 mm TL, respectively. Parmaturus xaniurus males reached TL50 at 444 mm TL and females at 501 mm TL. Gravid female A. brunneus were found in all months of the year, but gravid P. xaniurus were found primarily June through September. Adult A. kampae females were found only in July through November and there were gravid females in all these months. Based upon gonadosomatic indices, I G, these species may mate within a defined period of time (April through June); however, A. brunneus appear to reproduce throughout the year and P. xaniurus reproduce within a defined season (approximately July through September). © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):7, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Flammang, Ebert, Cailliet
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Squatina caillieti sp. nov., a new species of angel shark (Chondrichthyes: Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) from the Philippine Islands,
Description: A new species of angel shark, Squatina caillieti sp. nov., is described from a single specimen collected in deepwater off Luzon in the Philippines. The new species is closest to S. formosa and S. nebulosa, but differs from its congeners based on the following characters: unfringed barbels with rod-like tips, upper lip arch semi-oval in shape, large papillae present on the inside posterior margin of the spiracles, a greater interspiracle space than interorbital space, pelvic fin-tips which reach the first dorsal origin, a short pelvic fin base, short pelvic inner margin very short, and a short pelvic posterior margin; pelvic girdle span more than 1.4 times greater than head length; dorsal fins angular, greater interdorsal space than dorsal caudal space; caudal fin lobed, very short upper postventral caudal margin. The new species is the only Squatina confirmed as occurring in the Philippines. We also comment on the biogeography of western North Pacific Squatina and provide a revised regional key to this group. Copyright © 2011., Cited By (since 1996):1, Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Walsh, Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Tetronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., a new species of electric ray from southern Africa: (Chondrichthyes: Torpediniformes: Torpedinidae)
Description: A new species of torpedo ray, Tetronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is described from specimens collected from the southeastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species is placed in the genus Tetronarce based on a uniform dorsal coloration and absence of papillae around the spiracles. The new species is distinguished from its closest congeners, the North Atlantic Tetronarce nobiliana Bonnaparte, 1835, and southwestern Atlantic Tetronarce puelcha Lahille, 1926, by a combination of morphological characteristics including a shorter spiracular length, a proportionally greater head length as measured between snout margin and fifth gill openings, a proportionally greater preoral snout length, a uniform shiny black or dark gray dorsal surface, lacking any prominent markings, and a creamy white ventral color with dark edges in juveniles but fading with growth. Teteronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is further distinguished from T. nobiliana by its more circular anterior disc shape (vs. relatively straight in T. nobiliana), fewer tooth rows (32/28 vs. 38-53/38-52 in T. nobiliana), greater mouth width (1.5-1.7 times as great as interorbital width vs. 0.5-0.6 times interorbital width in T. nobiliana), smaller distance between second dorsal and caudal fins (3.5-4.9% vs. 6.6-6.8% in T. nobiliana), and a clasper length extending nearly to lower caudal fin origin (claspers in T. nobiliana that extend only two-thirds distance between second dorsal and caudal fins). Teteronarce cowleyi, sp. nov., is known from Walvis Bay, Namibia to Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, at depths of 110 to 457 m. Copyright © 2015 Magnolia Press., Export Date: 26 June 2015
Author: Ebert, Haas, De Carvalho
Date: 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ontogenetic changes in the diet of the sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus),
Description: The sevengill shark, Notorynchus cepedianus, is a versatile predator capable of feeding on a wide variety of prey species. Stomach content analyses were performed on specimens from California, USA, and southern Africa to investigate whether dietary differences occur in relation to sex and size. Of the 531 specimens examined, 365 (68.7%) contained prey items. The dietary trend with growth and maturity shifted from teleosts to chondrichthyans, with marine mammals becoming increasingly important in the larger size classes of N. cepedianus. Small N. cepedianus (<120 cm total length, TL) fed primarily on teleosts, whereas larger sharks primarily consumed chondrichthyans. Marine mammals made up about one-third of the diet of N. cepedianus >220 cm TL, while teleosts declined to 6% and 13% for male and female sharks, respectively. A decrease was observed in the dietary overlap of each successively larger size class. Ontogenetic changes in the diet of N. cepedianus may provide insight into understanding how adults enhance the survivorship of their young, who are often less experienced at foraging for prey and are more vulnerable to predation., Cited By (since 1996):37, CODEN: AJMFA, ,
Author: Ebert
Date: 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproduction of the sandpaper skate, Bathyraja kincaidii (Garman 1908) in the eastern North Pacific
Description: The sandpaper skate, Bathyraja kincaidii, is commonly taken as bycatch in trawl fisheries off central California. The impact of fisheries exploitation on this population is unknown, however little is known about its biology, including its reproductive life history. To determine reproductive aspects of B. kincaidii, 506 individuals were collected from commercial trawls, museum collections, and monthly trawl and longline surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Males ranged from 112 to 635 mm TL, whereas females ranged from 113 to 610 mm TL. Males reach first maturity at 440 mm TL and at ~3 years, whereas females reach first maturity at 450 mm TL, approximately 1 year later. Size and estimated age at 50 % maturity were similar between sexes: 492 mm TL and 7.5 years for males and 467 mm TL and 7.1 years for females. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values indicate a continuous reproductive cycle, with a seasonal peak in the summer and fall, and a resting period following egg case deposition., Publication
Author: Perez-Brazen, Cailliet, Ebert
Date: 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproduction, diet and habitat use of leopard sharks, Triakis semifasciata (Girard), in Humboldt Bay, California, USA,
Description: A total of 312 female leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) was sampled in Humboldt Bay, California, USA, an important nursery ground for this species, during the spring month of May from 1983 to 1984 and 1985. Sexual segregation is strong as only three males were observed in the study area. Females ranged in size from 120 to 154 cm total length, and all examined were determined to be mature. Overall, 130 out of 153 females examined in early May contained term embryos. The number of embryos per female ranged from 1 to 37 with larger females tending to possess more embryos. Of the 159 individuals examined in late May, no females were found carrying embryos and most were ovulating. Diet analyses revealed that, overall, fish eggs (Atherinopsis californiensis) at 48.0%, had the highest percentage Index of Relative Importance (%IRI), followed by the cancrid crabs, Cancer antennarius (29.8%) and C. magister (11.6%). All other prey were of relatively minor importance, cumulatively representing 10.6% of the overall diet. Adults shift their diet after parturition: early May sharks fed almost exclusively on fish eggs, while crabs were more important in those examined in late May. © CSIRO 2005., Cited By (since 1996):18, CODEN: AJMFA, ,
Author: Ebert, Ebert
Date: 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A review of the systematics of western North Pacific angel sharks, genus Squatina, with redescriptions of Squatina formosa, S. japonica, and S. nebulosa (Chondrichthyes: Squatiniformes, Squatinidae),
Description: Squatinids are quite distinct from other shark-like fishes, but individual species are difficult to differentiate. Four of the 16 known, valid squatinid species occur in the western North Pacific (WNP). Differences among the WNP species complex have traditionally relied upon the nasal barbel shape, interorbital and interspiracle distances, ocellus patterns, number of dermal folds about the mouth, and the presence of midback thorns. Unfortunately, many of these characters are difficult to distinguish, hindering identification of individuals. Using WNP squatinid specimens and photographs, both from field expeditions and museums, we confirm the validity of four species in the area. Additionally, we correct mistakes made in the literature on S. formosa type material, clarify differences in the particularly challenging distinction between S. formosa and S. nebulosa, and provide the basis for a revised dichotomous key for the region that includes all four known valid WNP squatinid species. Copyright © 2007 Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):9, , , Fish and Fisheries
Author: Walsh, Ebert
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Comparative Demography of Skates: Life-History Correlates of Productivity and Implications for Management
Description: Age-structured demographic models were constructed based on empirical estimates of longevity and maturity for five deepwater Bering Sea skates to investigate how observed differences in life history parameters affect population growth rates. Monte Carlo simulations were used to incorporate parameter uncertainty. Estimated population growth rates ranged from 1.045 to 1.129 yr-1 and were lower than those reported for other Alaskan skates and most chondrichthyans. Population growth rates of these and other high-latitude skates increased with relative reproductive lifespan, but displayed no significant relationship with body size or depth distribution, suggesting that assemblage shifts may be difficult to predict for data-poor taxa. Elasticity analyses indicated that juvenile and adult survival had greater per-unit effects on population growth rates than did egg-case survival or fecundity. Population growth rate was affected more by uncertainty in age at maturity than maximum age. The results of this study indicate that if skates are deemed to be a management concern, gear modifications or depth-specific effort controls may be effective. © 2013 Barnett et al., Fish and Fisheries, Art. No.: e65000
Author: Barnett, Winton, Ainsley, Cailliet, Ebert
Date: 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Interactive effects of polyculture, feeding rate, and stocking density on growth of juvenile shellfish,
Description: , , , Growth rates were evaluated for juvenile red abalone Haliotis rufescens (Swainson), mussels Mytilus californianus (Conrad), and spot prawns Panda/us platyceras (Brandt) cultured in monocultures and polycultures at 3 feeding rates. Two polyculture stocking densities were employed, one in which each species was at the same density as in monoculture, for a combined density of 4.6 g shellfish per liter, and another in which the combined density was the same as for a single species in monoculture (approximately 2.3 g/L). All culture groups were fed at 3 levels: unfiltered seawater only, and unfiltered seawater plus 2 different quantities of benthic diatoms (0.25 or 0.50 g dry weight/week), phytoplankton (10 or 50 X 103 cells/mL), and diced shrimp (3 or 10% of prawn weight per day). Feeding rate and culture treatment produced a significant interactive effect on shellfish growth (ANOVA p < 0.001). Abalone growth was significantly greater in monoculture than in either the lower or higher density polyculture (mean individual weight increase = 0.48, 0.33 and 0.28 g, respectively). Likewise, prawn growth was significantly greater in monoculture than in either polyculture (0.72, 0.44 and 0.41, respectively). Growth increased significantly with amount of food supplied: mean abalone weight increased 0.15 gin the lowest feeding treatment vs 0.60 gin the highest, and mean prawn weight increased 0.21 gin the lowest feeding treatment vs 0.88 g in the highest. Mussel growth (0.04 g) was restricted by food availability at all feeding rates, and was not significantly affected by any experimental manipulations. Despite expected differences in feeding habits among the 3 species, abalone were found to be capable of ingesting and assimilating diced shrimp that was intended as food for prawns in the polyculture system. Sequential polyculture is proposed as an alternative to combined culture for pilot-scale applications., ,
Author: Hunt, Foster, Nybakken, Larson, Ebert
Date: 1995-01-01T00:00:00Z

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