Descripción morfológica del condrocráneo del Tiburón mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) desembarcado en el pacífico ecuatoriano.

Abstract

The Lamnidae family, known for its large, migratory sharks, plays a crucial role in regulating fish populations. The mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), highly migratory in tropical and temperate waters, stands out for its speed and adapted morphology to be an effective predator at the top of food chains. This study analyzes the morphology of the chondrocranium, an essential structure to support sensory organs and protect the brain, through samples collected in Manta, Ecuador, between January and April 2024. The chondrocranium presents specific adaptations such as a hydrodynamic rostrum, harpoon-like teeth and prominent olfactory capsules. Elements such as the stapedial fenestra, supraorbital crest and mandibular cartilages are analyzed to understand their functionality in feeding, hunting and sensory perception. This analysis provides relevant data for morphological and ecological studies of I. oxyrinchus in its natural habitat.