1
|
Weigmann S, Vaz DFB, Akhilesh KV, Leeney RH, Naylor GJP. Revision of the Western Indian Ocean Angel Sharks, Genus Squatina (Squatiniformes, Squatinidae), with Description of a New Species and Redescription of the African Angel Shark Squatina africana Regan, 1908. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:975. [PMID: 37508405 PMCID: PMC10376720 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Sampling efforts on the Saya de Malha Bank (part of the Mascarene Plateau, western Indian Ocean) unveiled three unusual small juvenile angel shark specimens, that were a much paler color than the only known western Indian Ocean species, Squatina africana Regan, 1908. However, it took many years before further specimens, including adults of both sexes, and tissue samples were collected. The present manuscript contains a redescription of S. africana based on the holotype and additional material, as well as the formal description of the new species of Squatina. All specimens of the new species, hereafter referred to as Squatina leae sp. nov., were collected in the western Indian Ocean off southwestern India and on the Mascarene Plateau at depths of 100-500 m. The new species differs from S. africana in a number of characteristics including its coloration when fresh, smaller size at birth, size at maturity, and adult size, genetic composition, and distribution. Taxonomic characteristics include differences in the morphology of the pectoral skeleton and posterior nasal flap, denticle arrangement and morphology, vertebral counts, trunk width, pectoral-pelvic space, and clasper size. A key to the species of Squatina in the Indian Ocean is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Weigmann
- Elasmo-Lab, Elasmobranch Research Laboratory, 22609 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Diego F B Vaz
- Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium Biorepository, Guam EPSCoR, Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU 96923, USA
| | - K V Akhilesh
- ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Kochi, Kerala 682 018, India
| | - Ruth H Leeney
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Gavin J P Naylor
- Florida Museum of Natural History, Dickinson Hall, 1659 Museum Road, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ng SL, Ho HC, Joung SJ, Liu KM. Okamejei picta sp. nov., a new rajid skate from the South China Sea (Rajiformes: Rajidae). Zootaxa 2023; 5278:103-118. [PMID: 37518295 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
A new species of Okamejei is described based on two adult males collected from deep waters in the South China Sea. The new species, Okamejei picta sp. nov., is readily distinguished from most other congeners in having densely scattered black spots on dorsal disc. Okamejei hollandi and O. mengae is quite similar to the new species by their spot patterns on dorsal disc, but the new species differs from the former by a combination of characters: a yellowish brown dorsal surface densely covered with small, circular to irregular-shaped black spots; blotches on dorsal disc indistinct; posterior ocellus absent; ventral disc white; disc length 45.0-47.7% TL; distance between cloaca to caudal-fin tip 53.6-55.1% TL; trunk centra 31; total basal radials 73-76, morphology of clasper terminal skeleton, and lacking component funnel at the clasper end.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shing-Lai Ng
- Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries Science; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan.
| | - Hsuan-Ching Ho
- National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium; Pingtung; Taiwan; Institute of Marine Biology; National Donghwa University; Hualien; Australian Museum; Sydney; Australia (Research Associate).
| | - Shoou-Jeng Joung
- Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries Science; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan; George Chen Shark Research Center; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan.
| | - Kwang-Ming Liu
- George Chen Shark Research Center; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan; Institute of Marine Affairs and Resource Management; National Taiwan Ocean University; Keelung; Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Investigating an Unknown Biodiversity: Evidence of Distinct Lineages of the Endemic Chola Guitarfish Pseudobatos percellens Walbaum, 1792 in the Western Atlantic Ocean. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic actions have affected marine species for a long time, through overexploitation of natural stocks and habitat degradation, influencing the life strategies of several taxa, especially rays and sharks, which have suffered significant population declines in recent years. Therefore, conservation actions and stock management have become paramount. In this regard, chola guitarfish, Pseudobatos percellens, distributed throughout the Brazilian coast, is often commercially fished by local artisanal fleets or as by-catch in shrimp trawl fisheries. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the genetic diversity of P. percellens throughout the Brazilian coast, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic analyses employing 3329 SNPs revealed a hidden biodiversity within P. percellens, with at least one lineage occurring in the Northern and Northeastern regions and another distributed in the Southeastern/Southern Brazilian coast, with high genetic differentiation between them. However, the Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) indicated the presence of in fact three lineages distributed in these regions that must still be better investigated. Therefore, to ensure adequate conservation of chola guitarfish biodiversity, populations must be managed separately along the Brazilian coast. Furthermore, the need for a taxonomic review for this group is noted.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ehemann NR, García-Rodríguez FJ, De La Cruz-Agüero J. Morphological abnormalities in seven American round ray specimens: A review of America's batomorph anomalies. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2022; 45:395-409. [PMID: 34871460 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although morphological abnormalities in several rays and skate species around the American continents have frequently mentioned, their numbers are unknown. The present work record morphological abnormalities in four Urotrygonidae species. Two anophthalmic specimens were detected (Urotrygon microphthalmum and Urobatis halleri). Two individuals lacked caudal fins (Urobatis maculatus and Urotrygon chilensis). Two round rays showed incomplete fusion of the pectoral fin to the head (U. microphthalmum and U. chilensis). Vertebral compression and fusion were found in a 6-year-old female Urotrygon rogersi. In addition, 118 abnormal batomorph specimens were gathered from the available bibliography, spanning the last six decades (1959-2021). Amblyraja doellojuradoi was the species with the highest number of abnormalities (18). The most common anomaly was an incomplete fusion of the pectoral fin with the head. Since 2010, at least 30 anomalous batomorphs have been recorded every 5 years. Sixty-nine abnormal specimens occurred in the Northern Hemisphere (1.00-60.00 N). The Cortezian (Pacific) and Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic) marine ecoregions stood out with the highest number of these specimens. Mexico recorded 58 anomalous specimens, followed by Brazil (n = 36). Biological, abiotic and anthropogenic factors are probably the leading causes. However, additional studies are necessary to elucidate these speculations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Roberto Ehemann
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (IPN-CICIMAR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | | | - José De La Cruz-Agüero
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (IPN-CICIMAR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ehemann NR, González-González LDV, Tagliafico A, Weigmann S. Updated taxonomic list and conservation status of chondrichthyans from the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela, with first generic and specific records. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 95:753-771. [PMID: 31140602 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Using the last taxonomic review of chondrichthyans of the world, we selected the species distributed in the north-western Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and compared it with the available published literature related to the class Chondrichthyes in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone. We also revised information from worldwide databases such as: FAO (NWA-31 area), GBIF, iSpecies, IUCN and OBIS, as well as available museum collection databases. The taxonomic validity was checked using the Catalogue of Fishes of the California Academy of Sciences and recent references. The past published Venezuelan lists of chondrichthyans combined included nine orders, 30 families and 108 species. The updated list with 12 orders, 36 families and 122 species increased by three new orders, six families, three shark genera, nine shark species (one replacing another species), one chimaera genus, two chimaera species, three batoid genera and six batoid species (two replacing other species). Four holotype specimens (two sharks and two rays) are deposited in Venezuelan Museums. Most of the species have an IUCN conservation status, including four species catalogued as Critically Endangered, six as Endangered and 18 species as Vulnerable. Deep-sea fisheries, scientific exploration and taxonomic/genetic revisions might add future increments to the Venezuelan chondrichthyan list.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás R Ehemann
- Marine Biology and Fisheries Department, Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), La Paz, Mexico
- Marine Biology Department, Núcleo Nueva Esparta, Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar. Calle Principal - La Marina, Boca del Río, Venezuela
- Marine Biology Department, Proyecto Iniciativa Batoideos (PROVITA), Calle La Joya con Avenida Libertador, Unidad Técnica del Este, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Lorem D V González-González
- Marine Biology and Fisheries Department, Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), La Paz, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Tagliafico
- Marine Biology Department, Núcleo Nueva Esparta, Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar. Calle Principal - La Marina, Boca del Río, Venezuela
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia
| | - Simon Weigmann
- Elasmo-Lab, Elasmobranch Research Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Ichthology, Center of Natural History, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Weigmann S, Kaschner CJ, Thiel R. A new microendemic species of the deep-water catshark genus Bythaelurus (Carcharhiniformes, Pentanchidae) from the northwestern Indian Ocean, with investigations of its feeding ecology, generic review and identification key. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207887. [PMID: 30540765 PMCID: PMC6291195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A new deep-water catshark, Bythaelurus stewarti, is described based on 121 examined specimens caught on the Error Seamount (Mount Error Guyot) in the northwestern Indian Ocean. The new species differs from all congeners in the restricted distribution, a higher spiral valve turn count and in the morphology of the dermal denticles. It is distinguished from its morphologically and geographically closest congener, B. hispidus (Alcock), by the larger size (maximum size 44 vs. 39 cm TL, maturity size of males 35-39 vs. 21-28 cm TL), darker fresh coloration and dark grayish-brown mottling of the ventral head (vs. ventral head typically uniformly yellowish or whitish). Furthermore, it has a strongly different morphology of dermal denticles, in particular smaller and less elongate branchial, trunk and lateral caudal denticles that are set much less densely and have a surface that is very strongly and fully structured by reticulations (vs. structured by reticulations only in basal fourth). In addition, the new species differs from B. hispidus in having more slender claspers that are gradually narrowing to the bluntly pointed tip without knob-like apex (vs. claspers broader and with distinct knob-like apex), more spiral valve turns (11-12 vs. 8-10) and numerous statistical differences in morphometrics. A review of and a key to the species of Bythaelurus are given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Weigmann
- Elasmo-Lab, Elasmobranch Research Laboratory, Hamburg, Germany
- Center of Natural History, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carina Julia Kaschner
- Department 522, Fisheries, Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Thiel
- Center of Natural History, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ehemann NR, González-González LDV, Chollet-Villalpando JG, Cruz-Agüero JDL. Updated checklist of the extant Chondrichthyes within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mexico. Zookeys 2018:17-39. [PMID: 30034261 PMCID: PMC6053468 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.774.25028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The checklist presented in this study includes the latest taxonomic and systematic modifications and updates (early 2018) for the Chondrichthyes that inhabit the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mexico. The list is based on a literature review of field-specific books, scientific publications and database information from collections and museums worldwide available online such as, the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Encyclopedia of Life (EOL), iSpecies, FishBase and the National Biodiversity Information System (SNIB–CONABIO). Information was cross-referenced with digital taxonomic systems such as the Catalog of Fishes of the California Academy of Sciences, the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), and the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). There is a total of two subclasses two divisions, 13 orders, 44 families, 84 genera, and 217 species that represent approximately 18% of all living and described species of chondrichthyans worldwide. For the Mexican Pacific and the Gulf of California, 92 species of chondrichthyans are listed compared to 94 species for the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, 31 species listed occur on both coasts of Mexico. The species richness of the Mexican chondrichthyans will surely continue to increase, due to the exploration of deep-water fishing areas in the EEZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Roberto Ehemann
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Colección Ictiológica, Avenida IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo Santa Rita, La Paz, Baja California Sur, 23096, México
| | - Lorem Del Valle González-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Colección Ictiológica, Avenida IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo Santa Rita, La Paz, Baja California Sur, 23096, México
| | - Jorge Guillermo Chollet-Villalpando
- Actual address: Instituto de Ecología, A.C. - INECOL, Biodiversidad y Sistemática, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, Colonia El Haya, Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, México
| | - José De La Cruz-Agüero
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Colección Ictiológica, Avenida IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo Santa Rita, La Paz, Baja California Sur, 23096, México
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moreira RA, Gomes UL, de Carvalho MR. Systematic implications of the caudal fin skeletal anatomy in ground sharks, order Carcharhiniformes (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii). Zool J Linn Soc 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zly038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renan A Moreira
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ulisses L Gomes
- Laboratório de Taxonomia de Elasmobrânquios, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo R de Carvalho
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Arunrugstichai S, True JD, White WT. Catch composition and aspects of the biology of sharks caught by Thai commercial fisheries in the Andaman Sea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 92:1487-1504. [PMID: 29635684 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Catch composition, landing patterns and biological aspects of sharks caught by commercial fishing fleet operating in the Andaman Sea were recorded from landing sites in Ranong province of Thailand over a period of 1 year. Of the 64 species previously reported in the existing Thailand checklist, only 17 species were recorded in this study. Shark landings from the Andaman Sea appear now to be dominated largely by bamboo sharks Chiloscyllium spp. (Hemiscylliidae), which contribute c. 65% of the total number of sharks recorded. The carcharhinid sharks comprised c. 30·5% to the total catch, while the remaining c. 4·5% of landings comprised sharks from the families Squalidae, Stegostomatidae, Sphyrnidae and Triakidae. The catch composition is remarkably different from the previous landing survey in 2004, in that the current study found noticeable declines in landings of slow-growing, late- maturing and low-fecundity species (especially sphyrnid and carcharhinid species). The absences of many species and changes in life-stage composition suggest that the populations of these groups may be close to collapse. The results from this study emphasize the urgency for additional research and monitoring efforts and also the need for management incentives in order to manage shark fisheries effectively in the Andaman Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Arunrugstichai
- Department of Biology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
| | - J D True
- Center of Excellence for Biodiversity of Peninsular Thailand, Department of Biology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
| | - W T White
- CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Australian National Fish Collection, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|