Husbandry of tropical benthonic sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum, C. punctatum and Atelomycterus marmoratus): First step to develop protocols for controlled breeding with conservation purpose

In the IUCN Red List Chiloscyllium griseum, C. punctatum and Atelomycterus marmoratus are considered as "Near Threatened" species. Presently, there is a lack of information about their general biology, especially concerning reproduction and population structure. No monitoring measures are carried out by the fishing industry in order to enforce a suitable management plan for sustainable fisheries; additionally, Aquarium demand for these species is actually growing. The development of protocols and programmes in order to breed sharks can be very important for conservation purposes. In the Aquarium Mondo Marino, the Shark Study Centre (Centro Studi Squali), is actually working with the aim to get several couples of parents of the three above mentioned species in order to formalise the protocols for correct husbandry for breeding. The programme plans several steps: A) acclimatise young sharks, controlling feeding and Size rate, B) test different reproduction techniques C) improve eggs development and D) to stabilise juvenile Size. Keywords: shark breeding, Chiloscyllium griseum, Chiloscyllium punctatum, Atelomycterus marmoratus