Biology of Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810) from the Eastern Mediterranean
Articles > Article · 2019
Authors: FETHİ BENGİL, ELİZABETH GRACE TUNKA BENGİL, İnci TÜNEY KIZILKAYA, Meryem Akalın
Acta Aquatica Turcica, Refereed Journals of Other Institutions, International, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), 2019, vol 15, pp 425-432
DOI: 10.22392/actaquatr.545997
Summary
Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810, is one of the commercially and recreationally important shark species in the world. Still knowledge on its biology and status is limited in the eastern Mediterranean. Three individuals were caught from Turkish waters. Two individuals (one female and one male) stomach contents, morphological measurements and female’ gonad histology were studied. According to the results from macroscopic examination and gonad histology, the female was a Stage 1-immature, and smallest female ever recorded from Turkish waters. In addition, phylogenetic network of mitochondrial haplotypes was constructed for all three individuals. The phylogenetic network analysis supported that the species having a metapopulation as mentioned in previous studies. Since every information is critical for development of conservation actions aiming endangered species, we believe that our study will contribute to the limited knowledge on I. oxyrinchus biology and reproduction habits in Eastern Mediterranean.