RESEARCH ARTICLE

First in situ observations of the sharpnose sevengill shark (Heptranchias perlo), from the Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas

Brennan T. Phillips, Oliver N. Shipley, Jason Halvorsen, James K. Sternlicht & Austin J. Gallagher

Abstract

Using a baited remote underwater video system (BRUV), we provide the first recorded in situ observation of the sharpnose sevengill shark, Heptranchias perlo (Bonnaterre, 1788), from the Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas. The individual was recorded at a depth of 718 meters, allowing for visual analysis of behavior in its natural environment. Temperature recordings of about 9° C at this depth indicate that H. perlo is physiologically capable of thriving within the lower mesophotic zone. This observation underscores the need to conduct further explorations of elasmobranch diversity and distribution in the Bahamas, which can be readily facilitated by BRUV-based methods.