Comment on Balàka et al. Updated Checklist of Chondrichthyan Species in Croatia (Central Mediterranean Sea). Biology 2023, 12 , 952.

The authors of this letter comment on a checklist of chondrichthyan species in Croatia, specifically addressing inaccuracies and issues with the previous checklist. They argue that previous checklists for Croatia have always referred to the whole Adriatic Sea, rather than just Croatian waters. They also dispute the identification of a specific species, Carcharias taurus, based on coloration and other characteristics. The authors suggest that identification based solely on uncertain body photos should be avoided and that jaw and dental characteristics should be used instead. They also question the inclusion of certain species in the checklist, citing lack of solid evidence. The authors conclude by encouraging the avoidance of arbitrary observations and the need for verified evidence in order to avoid confusion in the identification and status of chondrichthyan species. [Extracted from the article]