Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 2015

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† Paul J. Clerkin1*, Jenny M. Kemper2, David A Ebert1

Investigation and taxonomy of Southwestern Indian Ocean Chimaeridae
1 – Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 2 – College of Charleston, Oral Presentation, 2013 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, American Elasmobranch Society, Reno, Nevada., July 2015.

Abstract

Historically understudied, the Chimaeriformes (Chondrichthyes: Holocephali) has received increased attention over the past decade and half, with the expansion of deep-sea fisheries, with 19 species having been described. Despite this recent focus, 59% of all known chimaeras are data deficient as accessed by the IUCN. This lack of information is due to taxonomic uncertainty and the intrinsic complexities associated with sampling at great depth in remote areas. The Southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) offshore ecosystem is a poorly explored, remote region characterized by extreme topology that includes the massive Madagascar Ridge. This region is punctuated by seamounts that function as isolated underwater islands, supporting high abundance of fish, and a number of chimaera species. Currently, very little is known about SWIO Chimaeras, since only two species have been verified from the area, Hydrolagus africanus, and Chimaera notafricana. During two surveys (2012 and 2014) onboard a commercial deep-sea trawler in the SWIO offshore, six distinct species of Chimaeridae (4 Chimaera, 2 Hydrolagus) were collected. A comprehensive set of morphometric and meristic measurements, and genetic samples were collected from each specimen encountered. Comparisons with geographic congers using standard morphological methods along with comparative genetic samples were made between SWIO offshore chimaeras and those from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to investigate similarities and differences between these geographical regions. Taxonomic resolution of this enigmatic Chondrichthyan group will lead to improved species-specific identification.

Published by pauljclerkin

Paul J. Clerkin is a researcher with a master’s degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories currently working on his PhD at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Clerkin specializes in rare and deep-sea chondrichthyans and focuses on new species descriptions, taxonomy, life histories, genetics, and tagging of poorly understood shark species. His outside-the-box approach combines working with local fishers and high-tech innovative research techniques such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), specialized deep-sea cameras, and satellite archival tags. His research has granted him a variety of opportunities including leading workshops for the United Nations, serving as a shark expert for a Food and Agriculture Organization’s research cruise, and producing several shark documentaries. He has conducted research projects aboard ships in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Clerkin has discovered over a dozen new species of sharks and has gotten in the water to tag some of the rarest sharks on the planet including the ultra-rare Megamouth Shark. Paul Clerkin is currently describing new species that he has discovered, preparing a workshop for the Republic of Mauritius regarding their National Plan of Action for sharks, and organizing an international research program for sharks. His research interests include: shark taxonomy, robotics, artificial intelligence, eDNA, biologgers, and marine conservation policy. Find him @ deepblueresearchfoundation.org https://pauljclerkin.com/ Twitter: @PaulJClerkin Instagram: paul_j_clerkin Facebook: @PaulJClerkin

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