Call me by my name: unravelling the taxonomy of the gulper shark genus <i>Centrophorus</i> in the Mediterranean Sea through an integrated taxonomic approach

Abstract The current shift of fishery efforts towards the deep sea is raising concern about vulnerability deep-water sharks, which are often poorly studied and characterized by problematic taxonomy. For instance, in Mediterranean Sea taxonomy genus Centrophorus has not been clearly unravelled yet. Since proper identification species fundamental for their correct assessment management, this study aims at clarifying Basin through an integrated taxonomic approach. We analysed a total 281 gulper sharks (Centrophorus spp.) collected from various Mediterranean, Atlantic Indian Ocean waters. Molecular data obtained cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) portion nuclear 28S DNA gene region (28S) have highlighted presence unique mitochondrial clade Sea. morphometric results confirmed these findings, supporting distinct morphological group comprising all individuals. strongly indicate occurrence single ascribable to C. cf. uyato, suggest need revision systematics area.