Hemigaleus microstoma (Southeast Asia subpopulation)
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
CHONDRICHTHYES |
CARCHARHINIFORMES |
HEMIGALEIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Hemigaleus microstoma (Southeast Asia subpopulation) |
| Species Authority: |
Bleeker, 1852 |
|
Common Name/s:
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Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Near Threatened
ver 3.1
|
| Year Assessed: |
2003 |
| Assessor/s |
Simpfendorfer, C.A. (SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop, March 2003) |
| Evaluator/s: |
Fowler, S. & Cavanagh, R.D. (Shark Red List Authority) |
Justification:
This species occurs on continental shelves out to 170 m throughout its disjunct range in the Indo-West Pacific. It is fished in high numbers in South East Asia, and despite its relatively high productivity, there is enough concern to warrant a Near Threatened assessment for the subpopulation in this region (where it may meet the criterion Vulnerable A2d).
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
The Southeast Asia subpopulation occurs in Gulf of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Compagno (1984) reports that it is not extremely abundant throughout its range.
|
| Countries: |
Native:
Indonesia; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand
|
| FAO Marine Fishing Areas: |
Native:
Pacific – western central
|
Population
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| Population: |
There are no population estimates for any of the subpopulations.
|
| Population Trend: |
Unknown
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
Biological data is only available from Australian waters. The diet of Hemigaleus microstoma is composed almost exclusively of cephalopods (especially octopus). It is viviparous, producing litters of 1 to 19 individuals after a six month gestations period. The young are born at around 30 cm, males mature at 60 cm, female mature at 65 cm, and they reach a maximum size of 110 cm. There are no age and growth data, but they are assumed to be relatively fast growing and early maturing. This life history is relatively productive for an elasmobranch and should enable it to withstand a reasonable level of fishing pressure.
They utilize continental shelf waters down to 170 m, but little is known of their habitat use. With a diet composed mostly of octopus they may spend a considerable amount of time around reef and weedy areas frequented by these prey.
|
| Systems: |
Marine |
| Major Threat(s): |
This species is caught in trawl fisheries throughout its range. It is caught in high numbers in areas of South East Asia (e.g., Indonesia) and more information is needed on its status and threats throughout this region.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
No conservation measures are in place for this species.
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