Captures and Diet of Three Sharks Species in the Veracruz Reef System

José Otilio Avendaño-Alvarez, Horacio Pérez-España, David Salas-Monreal, Emiliano García-Rodríguez

Institute of Marine Science and Fisheries, Veracruz University, Veracruz, Mexico.

DOI: 10.4236/ojms.2013.32008                

Abstract

During July to November of 2008, the artisanal fisheries captured juvenile sharks belonging to the Carcharhinus and Sphyrnidae family in the Veracruz Reef System (south western Gulf of Mexico). The three most abundant organisms were of the species Sphyrna lewini, Carcharhinus brevipinna and Rhizoprionodon terraenovae. Local fisherman recognized five captured areas of sharks as a direct way or bycatch. Some of these areas are located near to eddies formations and river discharges (high productivity areas). These top predators fed on benthic and demersal prey of coastal and reef habits had been the Teleost group the most important item in its diet. However it is possible to observe differences in its feeding tendency.

Keywords

Captures; Diet; Sharks; Veracruz

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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