Rare records of the critically endangered Angular Roughshark (Oxynotus centrina Linnaeus, 1758) from the marine ecosystem of the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract

The Angular Roughshark (Oxynotus centrina Linnaeus, 1758) is a rare, bathydemersal, and harmless squaliform shark considered endangered in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its broad but fragmented Mediterranean distribution, no prior scientific records confirmed its presence in Palestinian Mediterranean waters. This study reports the first verified records of the Angular Roughshark as bycatch in the Gaza Strip, based on photographic and observational data collected from news sources, social media, and consultations with the General Directorate of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and local fishermen. Over the past two decades, at least 14 specimens (40-90 cm) were recorded to be by-caught, primarily by bottom trawling, and less frequently by gillnets or longlines, with two photographed and documented in 2011 and 2023, Morphology matched published descriptions. Although Gazans commonly consume cartilaginous fishes, this species, locally referred to as Alfar (mouse) or Aleursa (rat), is typically discarded due to its unattractive appearance, rough skin and flesh, and rarity. Awareness is limited among fishermen, while fisheries authorities recognize its conservation status.