Living naked: first case of lack of skin-related structures in an elasmobranch, the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus)

Abstract

As far as is known, in this paper the first case of lacking of skin-related structures (epidermis, stratum laxum, dermal denticles and teeth) in a free-swimming elasmobranch, the blackmouth catshark, Galeus melastomus, is reported. The individual was caught by trawl in Sardinian waters (central-western Mediterranean) in July 2019 at a depth of 500 m. Although this kind of morphological abnormality is potentially fatal, the observations suggested that the specimen was in good health and well developed.

Keywords: abnormalities, elasmobranchs, Galeus melastomus, skin.