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Family CARCHARHINIDAE

 Jordan & Evermann, 1896:  Requiem sharks

Comments on Identification

There are presently nine carcharhinid species reported from Mediterranean waters, of which by far the most abundant being the blue shark Prionace glauca  in offshore pelagic fisheries and sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus typically represented in coastal fisheries, especially those of the southern-central Mediterranean,  North Africa and Levant.  Others, primarily the spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna and less frequently the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, may be encountered increasingly as one moves from Sicily and Tunisia south-easterly through the regionšs warmer zones.  In many respects, the status and distribution of both of these latter two sharks and other remaining species are poorly-known, primarily as most of these "grey" sharks appear outwardly similar and hence become collectively grouped as fisheries catch. There remain other well-known carcharhinids that have yet to be reliably reported from Mediterranean waters, such as Galeocerdo cuvier and Carcharhinus leucas, yet in the past these species have been cited perhaps through misidentification with other similar species.  Moreover, there remain difficulties in assessing occurrences as most regional requiem sharks share similar or identical colloquial names and are thus considered rather singularly by commercial fishermen. Prionace glauca  is, however, readily identifiable and thus excluded from the discussion that follows.To aid in identification, the carcharhinid sharks have been arranged in this guide firstly by reference to a  primary diagnostic feature the presence or lack of an interdorsal ridge, which manifests itself as either a low or prominent dermal feature running longitudinally along the back, between the first and second dorsal fins.  Identification points are then subdivided by features including the position of first dorsal fin compared to pectoral fin; markings on fin apices and so-forth as simplified below.  If required, fuller morphometrical descriptions are given by Garrick (1982) and / or Compagno (1984 [Part 2]) and (1988).

DIAGNOSIS CARCHARHINID SHARKS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Interdorsal ridge present - Carcharhinus altimus,Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus obscurus, Carcharhinus plumbeus.

If 1st dorsal origin over or nearer to pectoral insertions rather than free tips either Carcharhinus altimus (rare) or Carcharhinus plumbeus (common)

Anterior nasal flaps prominent and triangular; interdorsal ridge high; distance from nostrils to mouth measures under 2.4 x in mouth width  C. altimus
Bignose shark.
Anterior nasal flaps not prominent; interdorsal ridge low; first dorsal fin very high and sail-like; nostrils to mouth distance more than 2.4x in mouth width C. plumbeus
Sandbar shark
If 1st dorsal origin above or nearer to pectoral free tips rather than insertions Carcharhinus obscurus
Dusky shark
If 1st dorsal origin well behind pectoral free tipsCarcharhinus falciformis
Silky shark
Interdorsal ridge absent - Carcharhinus brevipinna, Carcharhinus limbatus, Carcharhinus melanopterus, Carcharhinus brachyurus.
Upper teeth with narrow, hooked serrated cusps; colour bronzy or golden-brown (1st dorsal origin over or just anterior to pectoral free tips)Carcharhinus brachyurus
Copper shark
First dorsal fin base much nearer to pelvics than pectorals; fresh (living) dorsal colour is strikingly azure blue Prionace glauca
Fin apices conspicuously black-tipped:
Always tipped, with white area below black tip of 1st dorsalCarcharhinus melanopterus
Blacktip reef shark
Usually tipped; 1st dorsal origin above pectoral insertion Carcharhinus limbatus
Blacktip shark
Usually tipped; 1st dorsal origin above pectoral free tips Carcharhinus brevipinna
Spinner shark
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