Similar life history traits in bull (Carcharhinus leucas) and pig-eye (C. amboinensis) sharks
Bree J. Tillett A B C I , Mark G. Meekan C D , Iain C. Field A C E , Quan Hua F and Corey J. A. Bradshaw G H
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, NT 0810, Australia.
B Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge Research Hub, Charles Darwin University, NT 0810, Australia.
C Australian Institute of Marine Science, Arafura Timor Research Facility, NT 0810, Australia.
D Australian Institute of Marine Science, The UWA Oceans Institute (M096) 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
E Graduate School of the Environment, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
F Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
G The Environment Institute and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
H Australia and South Australian Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022, Australia.
I Corresponding author. Email: bree.tillett@cdu.edu.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 62(7) 850-860 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10271
Submitted: 1 November 2010 Accepted: 1 March 2011 Published: 25 July 2011
Abstract
Appropriate management strategies for coastal regions require an understanding of how ecological similarities and differences among species shape ecosystem processes. Here, we tested whether morphological similarity equated to similar age and growth patterns in two common coastal sharks in northern Australia. Vertebrae of 199 pig-eye (Carcharhinus amboinensis) and 94 bull (C. leucas) sharks were sourced principally from commercial fisheries operating along the Northern Territory coastline during 2007–2009. We sectioned vertebrae to provide estimates of age of these animals. Model averaging results indicated female pig-eye sharks matured at 13 years and lived >30 years. Theoretical asymptotic length (L∞) (±s.e.) was estimated to be 2672 (±11.94) mm with a growth coefficient (k) of 0.145 year–1. Male pig-eye sharks matured slightly earlier than females (12 years) and survived >26 years. Theoretical asymptotic length for males (L∞) (±s.e.) was also smaller (2540 ± 13.056) mm and they grew faster (k = 0.161 year–1) than females. Bull sharks matured at 9.5 years and reached a maximum theoretical size (L∞) (±s.e.) of 3119 mm (±9.803) with a similar growth coefficient (k = 0.158 year–1) to pig-eye sharks. Longevity of bull sharks was estimated to be more than 27 years. Our results indicate that these patterns of high longevity and slow growth are indicative of low resilience and high susceptibility to over-exploitation of these coastal sharks.
Additional keywords: bomb-radiocarbon, Carcharhinus sp., Indo–Pacific, resilience.
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