Not just a
huge collection of
Shark
Pictures:
Elasmodiver.com contains images of sharks, skates, rays, and a few
chimaera's from around the world. Elasmodiver began as a simple web
based
shark
field guide
to help divers find the best places to encounter the different
species of sharks and rays that live in shallow water but it has
slowly evolved into a much larger project containing information on
all aspects of shark diving and shark photography.
There are
now more than 10,000 shark pictures and sections on shark
evolution, biology, and conservation. There is a large library of
reviewed shark books, a constantly updated shark taxonomy page, a
monster list of shark links, and deeper in the site there are
numerous articles and stories about shark encounters. Elasmodiver is
now so difficult to check for updates, that new information and
pictures are listed on an Elasmodiver Updates Page that can be
accessed here:
Identification:
Disc oval and with pelvic fins give an overall teardrop
body shape. 2 dorsal fins present spaced evenly along the tail and well
developed upper caudal. Caudal fins fan shaped. Dorsum brown with indistinct
blotches and conspicuous eyespot in centre. Area in front of eyes sometimes has
bolder markings in the form of symmetrical blotches. Ventrum pale.
Size: Length
7.9" max. 9.8"
Habitat:
Sandy areas near rocky reefs. From intertidal to 211ft.
Abundance and distribution:
From Panama to the Sea of Cortez.
Behavior:
Nocturnal. Moves over bottom at night, resting on fin tips.
Diet consists mainly of amphipods, shrimp, and worms.
Reproduction:
Ovoviviparous.
Observations:
Photographs:
Roca Sucia, las Islas Catalinas, Costa Rica.
Similar species:
Cortez electric ray. No eyespot.
Reaction to divers:
Easily approached. I found this species to be very
lethargic during the day allowing me to take close up photographs. No attempt
was made to shock.
Diving logistics:
Agua Rica Dive Shop runs charters out to the Catalinas.
Companies in Playas del Coco in the north also go to this group of small
islands. Also on the hit list in this area are whitetip reef sharks, schooling
Cownose rays, and Round stingrays.
Other diving locations submitted by readers:
References:
Fishbase
Scott W Michael - Reef Sharks and Rays of the
World