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Abstract

The first cases of spinal abnormalities for the common angel shark Squatina squatina in the Canary Islands (Spain), are reported. Two specimens, a juvenile and an adult female with 21º and 42º of scoliosis were recorded in Tenerife and Gran Canaria islands, respectively. Possible causes are discussed.

Living naked: first case of lack of skin‐related structures in an elasmobranch, the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus)

“…The tooth-like dermal denticles represent the most external and characteristic skin structures. Because of their shape and composition, they provide a mechanical barrier, protecting the organism from environment, predators and ectoparasites, and also reducing potential mechanical abrasions (Feld et al, 2019;Meyer & Seegers, 2012). It has been proved that they facilitate locomotion by reducing the friction with water and by altering the hydrodynamic flow on the body surface (Oeffner & Lauder, 2012).…”