Abstract:

Aims: The Chondrichthyans is one of the oldest and most unique groups of vertebrates, with over 400 million years of evolutionary history. They play a vital role in maintaining the stability of marine ecosystems, and some species have significant economic and scientific value. From 2001 to 2024, the number of Chondrichthyan species worldwide has increased from approximately 900 to over 1200, with many new species and distribution records emerging. China, as an important habitat for Chondrichthyan fishes, currently lacks a comprehensive Checklist of Chondrichthyan species incorporating the latest information. 

Methods: This study compiled a Checklist of Chinese Chondrichthyan species with Latin, English, Mandarin and Japanese names, based on a review of published literature, institutional collections in various marine regions of China, public databases, and nearly 20 years of field survey data from important fishing ports (up to September 30, 2025). The Checklist also includes the distribution of each species in four major marine regions of China (Yellow & Bohai Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan). The G, F, and G-F indices were used to compare the diversity of Chondrichthyan fishes among these marine regions. 

Results: China harbors 259 species of Chondrichthyan fishes, belonging to 114 genera, 59 families and 14 orders, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the world's total Chondrichthyan species. Of these, 22 are newly described after 2001, and 22 are endemic to Chinese waters. 141 species (55.73% of assessed species in China) are classified as "threatened" on the IUCN Red List. In the aforementioned marine regions, the G-F indices are 0.4655, 0.7527, 0.7393, and 0.7580, respectively. 

Conclusion: This study updates the Checklist of Chondrichthyan species in China. This Checklist serves as a foundational framework for subsequent research and international cooperation on these fishes, and also provides an important reference for the conservation of Chondrichthyan species in Chinese waters, fisheries resource management, and the implementation of relevant international conventions.

Key words: biodiversity, Chondrichthyans, Chinese waters, species checklist, G-F index