Callorhinchus+milii

 __ Elephant Shark __

**Animal Classification** genus: Callorhinchus species: milii class: CHONDRICHTHYES order: CHIMAERIFORMES family: CALLORHINCHIDAE

Year assessed: 2003 Justification: bycatch, commercial and recreational fishing
 * Endangered Species Act **

Location of ecosystem: Southwest Pacific Ocean, deep water Latitudes: 40-50 degrees S Physical Habitat Features Temperature: 12-16 degrees C Salinity: 34.8-35.5 PSS Geological Processes: Earthquakes Active underwater volcanoes (Pacific Ring of Fire) Subduction zones Seamounts  ** Migration patterns: ** In the spring and summer, females move to shallow waters and estuaries to lay their eggs.
 * Description of Habitat **

-Close to 1000 tons caught annually
 * Population: **

-Population is stable
 * Survival Trends: **

-Mature male elephant sharks reach up to 76 cm at the age of 3 -Mature female elephant sharks reach up to 97 cm at around the ages of 4-5 -Silver/grey color or silver/grey with brown markings
 * Appearance: **

-Internal fertilization -Female elephant sharks lay two egg cases in the sand or mud of shallow waters. These eggs take about 7-8 months to hatch. Animal Anatomy and Physiology: ** -Pairs of gills on either side for breathing -Ampullae Lorenzini- electroreceptive organs that can detect magnetic fields -Lateral Line- detects change in pressure and movement -Oil-filled liver to maintain buoyancy -Spiral valve in the intestines that help with digestion -Multiple rows of powerful, crushing teeth -Trunk made of cartilage extending from the trunk -Wing-like pectoral fins -Sharp, folding spine located on the first dorsal fin for protection -Skin covered in dermal denticles- teeth-like structures that protect and aid in swimming
 * Reproduction: **
 * Recently discovered: Elephant sharks can see in color similar to the way humans can.

-Feeds on animals on the sea floor and that are low on the food chain: Crustaceans and shellfish like crab and shrimp as well as bivalves, jellyfish and hydroids -Sharks are predators and are at the top of the food-chain.
 * Food Chain: **

-Commericial fishing: Elephant sharks have quality flesh that is sold at seafood markets under the names of silver trumpeter of silverfish
 * Economic Importance: **

**Threats and Reasons for Endangerment:** -Bycatch and Overfishing (commercial and recreational)

**Conservation Efforts:** -Fishing restrictions including recreation bag limits of 20 fish per day -Closed off areas to prevent shark fishing and to protect marine life

-Education: Teach people the that the elephant shark, althought at least concern right now, may become endangered or extinct if fishing habits continue. -Restrictions: Increase limits and fishing restrictions to prevent overfishing and bycatch. -Enforcement: Enforce rules and regulations and greatly fine those who break them.
 * Solutions: **

1. Why was the elephant shark put on the endangered species list? 2. What is unique about the appearance of the elephant shark? 3. What does the elephant shark use for protection?
 * Questions: **

Sources: fishbase.net IUCNredlist.org zipcodezoo.com http://www.eyeonethesea.co.nz/feature/ http://www.answers.com/topic/callorhinchus-milii http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/sharks/what is a shark/asset/58353215687019924 elephant shark zoom.jpg http://www.fishingmag.co.nz/surfcasting-elephantfish-head.htm http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761552860 http://oceanofk.org/sharks/sharkAnatomy.html http://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/shark/english/lateral%20line.htm http://www.divenews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6868