Evidence of tide pool use by a viviparous elasmobranch as a parturition site

Abstract

Despite the frequent occurrence of elasmobranchs in surf zones, the use of tidal pools by these animals is unknown, with only one incidental observation reported in the literature. Here we present a possible birth observation in a tide pool for the shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller et Henle, 1841). We discuss this occurrence as it relates to the possible use of this micro-habitat to take advantage of its ecological characteristics during parturition, the moment of extreme vulnerability to viviparous elasmobranchs.

Keywords

• guitarfish
• birth
• behaviour
• lecithotrophic vivip