First records of the seven‐gilled Notorynchus cepedianus and six‐gilled Hexanchus griseus sharks (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchiformes: Hexanchidae) found in the Galápagos Marine Reserve

This study reports the first records of cowsharks (Hexanchidae) in the Galapagos Islands, in particular Notorynchus cepedianus and Hexanchus griseus, observed between depths of 210 and 418 m on footage from free-falling autonomous deep ocean cameras. These sightings provide new information on the habitat preferences and range distribution for N. cepedianus, and the first records of H. griseus in Ecuadorian waters. Our findings support the formulation of regional conservation strategies for these large apex predator species, and highlight our limited biological knowledge of Galapagos' deep-water ecosystems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.