Revision of the records of shark and ray species from the Maltese Islands (Chordata : Chondrichthyes)

Abstract

Records of sharks and rays from Maltese waters published in the scientific literature were critically evaluated by examining and accurately identifying specimens caught by fishers, seen by the authors and those kept in museum collections. Photographs of caught specimens but which were not preserved were also considered. Out of 37 species of sharks and 26 species of rays recorded from Malta, 24 sharks and 14 rays along with another two sharks, whose presence is a distinct probability although not encountered during this study, were authenticated. Other records have yet to be confirmed by actual specimens. Published records are discussed individually and indices of historic and recent abundance are assessed.