Bathyraja cousseauae sp.n.: A New Softnose Skate from the Southwestern Atlantic (Rajiformes, Rajidae)

A new species of softnose skate, Bathyraja cousseauae, is described from two adult and 19 juvenile specimens collected from different localities of the southwestern Atlantic. Bathyraja cousseauae is distinguished from all other southwestern Atlantic softnose skate species by its color pattern, squam...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Copeia 2004-05, Vol.2004 (2), p.326-335
Main Authors: Díaz de Astarloa, Juan Martín, Mabragaña, Ezequiel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cruises
Holotypes
Male animals
Marine fishes
Mars
New species
Paratypes
Pectorals
Plant spines
Young animals
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A new species of softnose skate, Bathyraja cousseauae, is described from two adult and 19 juvenile specimens collected from different localities of the southwestern Atlantic. Bathyraja cousseauae is distinguished from all other southwestern Atlantic softnose skate species by its color pattern, squamation pattern of dorsal surface, lack of interspace between dorsal fins, and clasper morphology. The new species has a round pale area ocellus-like, margined with dark brown on posterior part of each pectoral base of dorsal surface, paler and dark spots over the disk, a continuous row of 21–27 median thorns from nuchal region to first dorsal fin and upper side of disc densely covered with dermal denticles. Males have rod-shaped claspers not expanded at proximal section of glans as it does in Bathyraja brachyurops. Besides the external morphological features, skeletal characteristics (neurocranium, scapulocoracoids, and claspers) are also described and illustrated here.
ISSN:0045-8511
1938-5110
DOI:10.1643/CI-03-121R2