Not just Shark
Pictures: Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and
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 5000 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