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
Taeniura
Müller & Henle, 1837
Taeniura
Müller & Henle, 1837:117
.
Type
species
Trygon ornatus
Gray, 1830
(=
Raja lymma
Forsskål, 1775
); by monotypy.
Definition
. Small dasyatids (adults to
22–37 cm
DW) characterised by the following: moderately robust, oval disc with pectoral-fin apex broadly rounded; snout obtuse and short (1.6–2.2 times combined orbit and spiracle length); eye large and protruding greatly; nasal curtain medium-sized, bilobed; mouth not small, with 2 large median oral papillae; tail firm and typically moderately short (length 1.5–1.7 times DW), its base broad and depressed; pelvic fins long and pointed, protruding slightly; dorsal fold rudimentary or forming a ridge; ventral fold deep with a long base; caudal sting positioned well posterior on tail (distance from pectoral-fin insertion to caudal-sting base 4.5–5 times interspiracular width); skin smooth and denticle band absent; 1–2 rows of very small median thorns in most adults, no other thorns on disc; tail smooth; strong dorsal colour pattern of vivid blue spots on disc (no dark masklike marking around eyes or black and white bands on tail); ventral surface white, disc margin yellowish; marine, Indo–
West
Pacific.
Species
.
T. lymma
(Forsskål, 1775)
and an undescribed species.
Remarks.
Distinctive and locally abundant rays on coral reefs of the tropical Indo–
West
Pacific. An undescribed species occurs in Melanesia.