A revised classification of the family Dasyatidae (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) based on new morphological and molecular insights
Author
Last, Peter R.
Author
Naylor, Gavin J. P.
Author
Manjaji-Matsumoto, B. Mabel
text
Zootaxa
2016
4139
3
345
368
journal article
10.11646/zootaxa.4139.3.2
51358935-98b0-4d89-a47f-e4341171e5b9
1175-5326
262765
DCF4220B-4A73-407C-837C-54DEAE29F435
Genus
Makararaja
Roberts, 2007
Makararaja
Roberts, 2007
:286
.
Type
species
Makararaja chindwinensis
Roberts 2007
; by original designation and monotypic.
Definition
. Small dasyatids (to at least
39 cm
DW) characterised by the following: relatively well-depressed, oval to almost circular disc with pectoral-fin apex broadly rounded; snout obtuse and medium length (~1.7 times combined orbit and spiracle length); eye small and protruding slightly; nasal curtain distinctly bilobed; mouth narrow with 4 oral papillae; tail flexible and short (length ~1.5 times DW), its base moderately broad and depressed; pelvic fins large, protruding slightly beyond disc; dorsal fold absent; ventral fold moderately deep with a short base; caudal sting positioned very posteriorly on tail (distance from pectoral-fin insertion to caudal-sting base ~5.3 times interspiracular width); skin on dorsal surface uniformly velvety, densely covered with minute denticles and lacking a denticle band; no enlarged thorns on disc or tail (but with a short nuchal row of rudimentary thorns); plain coloured dorsally; freshwater, South-East Asia.
Species
.
M. chindwinensis
Roberts, 2007
Remarks
. Poorly known (based on the
holotype
); more specimens and tissues needed.