Records of a rare shark, Oxynotus japonicus (Squaliformes: Oxynotidae) from Sagami Bay, and its distribution and habitat in the north-western Pacific Ocean

Abstract

The distribution and habitat of Oxynotus japonicus (Squaliformes: Oxynotidae) are reviewed based on seven specimens (514.2–628.1 mm TL) from Sagami and Suruga Bays of southern Japan, and literature records. This paper represents the first record of the species from Sagami Bay based on specimens, and includes a detailed description. The high frequency of occurrence in Sagami and Suruga Bays suggests that both bays provide preferred habitat for this species. This species inhabits steep seafloor topography at depths from 150 to 400 meters, and its distributional range extends from Sagami Bay to Taiwan, in the north-western Pacific Ocean.