First evidence of prickly shark, Echinorhinus cookei Pietschmann 1928, aggregation on seamounts in the eastern Pacific, Panama

Hector M Guzman ^1,2, Candy K Real ¹, Stefanie Kaiser ³

⁰Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama.

Journal of Fish Biology +

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March 8, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

First documented sightings of the prickly shark (Echinorhinus cookei) in Panama were recorded in the Cordillera de Coiba seamounts. This deep-sea discovery highlights a critical habitat for this rare, threatened species.

Area Of Science

Marine Biology
Ichthyology
Deep-Sea Ecology

Background

The prickly shark (Echinorhinus cookei) is a rare deep-sea species with limited documented distribution.
Unverified reports suggested its presence in the tropical eastern Pacific, but concrete evidence was lacking.
The Cordillera de Coiba seamounts are an offshore marine protected area with potential ecological significance.

Purpose Of The Study

To document the presence and habitat of Echinorhinus cookei in Panamanian waters.
To assess the importance of the Cordillera de Coiba seamounts as a habitat for this species.
To contribute to the understanding of deep-sea biodiversity in the eastern Pacific.

Main Methods

Direct observation of marine fauna during deep-sea exploration.
Recording sightings of Echinorhinus cookei at specific depths and locations.
Geographic and bathymetric data collection for observed specimens.

Main Results

Twelve live specimens of Echinorhinus cookei were sighted between 151-350 meters depth.
The sightings occurred within the Cordillera de Coiba seamounts, Pacific Panama.
This represents the first documented record of live Echinorhinus cookei in Panama.

Conclusions

The Cordillera de Coiba seamounts serve as a critical habitat for Echinorhinus cookei.
This discovery expands the known distribution of the prickly shark in the eastern Pacific.
The findings emphasize the need for conservation of this species and its habitat, especially given threats from commercial fishing.

Keywords:

Cordillera de Coiba seamounts conservation deep sea distribution tropical eastern Pacific