Age estimation of the exploited deepwater shark <i>Centrophorus squamosus</i> from the continental slopes of the Rockall Trough and Porcupine Bank

Abstract

Dorsal spine sections of the deepwater squalid shark Centrophorus squamosus provided age estimates of 21–70 years. Small specimens were not recorded in the study area. It was not possible to obtain estimates from vertebral centra. The estimates are discussed in the context of other studies using dorsal spines of squalid sharks. Sexual maturity was achieved at large size, &gt;75% of maximum length. Total length at 50% maturity was calculated as 101 cm (males) and 128 cm (females).