Distribution, size frequency, and sex ratios of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus at Palmyra Atoll: a predator-dominated ecosystem |
| |
| Authors: | YP Papastamatiou JE Caselle AM Friedlander and CG Lowe |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Zoology, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, U.S.A.,; Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, California 93106, U.S.A.,; NOAA–NOS–NCCOS, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, Biogeography Branch and the Oceanic Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795, U.S.A. and; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California 90840, U.S.A. |
| |
| Abstract: | Blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus were the most abundant predator in the lagoons at Palmyra Atoll. They were evenly distributed throughout the lagoons, although there was some evidence of sexual segregation. Males reach sexual maturity between 940–1020 mm L T. Bird remains were found in some C. melanopterus stomachs. C. melanopterus at Palmyra appear to be smaller than those at other locations. |
| |
| Keywords: | CPUE diet sexual segregation size of maturity |
|
|
