First record of the mating system in the grey smoothhound shark

First record of the mating system in the grey smoothhound shark (Mustelus californicus)

Alexis O. Tárula-Marín & Nancy C. Saavedra-Sotelo

ABSTRACT:

Mating systems constitute an important biological characteristic that must be evaluated in commercially important species due to the effects of these systems on population growth rates and genetic diversity levels, which in turn determine the evolutionary potential of a population in the presence of environmental change. The most commonly reported mating system in sharks is polyandry, yet isolated reports of genetic monogamy have been published. The present study aimed to infer the mating system of two gravid Mustelus californicus females from Puerto Libertad, Sonora. The genetic analyses and parental reconstructions from the litters of both females indicated that genetic monogamy was most likely at work. We also discuss the ecological and biological features that may support genetic monogamy in this species. This is the first record of this mating system in M. californicus, which provides baseline data for future studies.

Biology Research, DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2021.1964533

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