What do we know about soft-bottom elasmobranch species richness in the Colombian Caribbean and of its spatial distribution?

A spatial analysis of soft-bottom elasmobranch species richness in Colombian Caribbean waters is presented. A list of 90 species names was compiled of which for only 63 georeferenced occurrences could be located. Nevertheless, global richness completeness analysis suggests that the magnitude of total species richness is correct. In spatial terms, however, knowledge of richness is partial as none of the spatial units, in which the general area was divided, reached 100% completeness. Ecoregions Guajira, Magdalena (Golfo de Salamanca), Palomino and Darien concentrated spatial units with higher observed and predicted species richness than elsewhere. One additional spatial unit each with high species richness is predicted for ecoregion Arco and Palomino. These ecoregion and spatial units are then candidates for closer scrutiny as potential areas of protection and conservation of Colombian Caribbean elasmobranchs. Further exploration efforts are needed both in terms of georeferenced occurrences and with depth.