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Title: Chlamydoselachus africana, a new species of frilled shark from southern Africa (Chondrichthyes, Hexanchiformes, Chlamydoselachidae),
Description: Frilled sharks (Chondrichthyes, Hexanchiformes, Chlamydoselachidae), long believed to be a monotypic family and genus, consisting of a single wide ranging species, Chlamydoselachus anguineus (Garman, 1884), is now known to contain at least two species. A new species of frilled shark, Chlamydoselachus africana, sp. nov., is described from five specimens collected from southern Africa. The new species, although difficult to distinguish externally from the well known C. anguineus, differ internally by the structural differences in the chondrocranium, lower total vertebral and spiral valve counts, and pectoral-fin radial counts. The new species, Chlamydoselachus africana, is known from off southern Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. © 2009 · Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):3, Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Reproductive biology of catsharks (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) off the west coast of southern Africa,
Description: This study presents information on the reproductive biology of five southern African catshark species: Apristurus microps, A. saldanha, Apristurus sp., Galeus polli, and Scyliorhinus capensis. They were caught between Walvis Bay, Namibia, and Cape Agulhas, South Africa, from 50 to 1016 m deep. The reproductive mode of four species was oviparous, whereas G. polli exhibited aplacental viviparity. Males of all species attained first maturity slightly larger than females, and males of the four oviparous species attained a larger LTmax than females. The length at 50% maturity was similar for males and females in most species. All species matured at an LT > 75% of LTmax except for male Apristurus spp. and female G. polli, which matured at 71.2% and 68.8%, respectively, of LTmax. The egg case of A. microps has minute tendrils, whereas those of S. capensis were quite long, suggesting different egg-laying habitats. Fecundity in G. polli ranged from 5 to 13, and litter size increased in relation to increased female length. Embryos of G. polli were large, each measuring approximately 30% of female LT. Neonates of G. polli were common and appear to have a demersal lifestyle; those of the four oviparous species were entirely absent from the study. Gravid A. microps were found in summer and winter, indicating a protracted breeding cycle, but reproductively active S. capensis were caught only in winter. Prior to this study, reproductive information on these catsharks was largely lacking. © 2006 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea., Cited By (since 1996):23, CODEN: ICESE, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno, Cowley
Date: 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Chimaera notafricana sp. nov. (Chondrichthyes: Chimaeriformes: Chimaeridae), a new species of chimaera from southern Africa,
Description: A new species of chimaera, Chimaera notafricana sp. nov., is described from specimens collected off the west and south coasts of southern Africa. The new species is distinguished from its closest congener, the eastern North Atlantic Chimaera monstrosa, by a combination of morphometric characters and coloration: pectoral fin when depressed reaches to origin of pelvic fin base; caudal fin ventral margin terminating slightly posterior to caudal fin dorsal margin insertion; distance from anterior base of dorsal-fin spine to center of supratemporal canal short (6.5-14.8% HDL); pelvic claspers externally trifid and short (12.1-12.3% BDL), divided for distal one-third of length, not extending past distal tip of pelvic fins; uniform blackish brown with dark bluish streaking, precaudal tail with longitudinal light and dark stripes. This new species has a restricted distribution from Lüderitz, Namibia to south of Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Copyright © 2010 Magnolia Press., Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Kemper, Ebert, Compagno, Didier
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Resurrection and redescription of Squalus suckleyi (Girard, 1854) from the North Pacific, with comments on the Squalus acanthias subgroup (Squaliformes: Squalidae),
Description: A taxonomie re-evaluation of the status of the North Pacific Squalus suckleyi (Girard, 1854) combining the use of meristie, morphological and molecular data reveal this species to be clearly distinct from the widespread Squalus acanthias (Linneaus, 1758). Differences in the external morphology between S. acanthias and S. suckleyi are subtle and are likely to be masked by intraspecific variation within individuals. However, we found S. suckleyi to differ from S.acanthias based on the following morphological and meristic characteristics: a short, broadly-rounded to acute snout;first dorsal-fin midpoint more posterior to pectoral-fin insertion; pelvic-fin origin closer to second dorsal fin than first dorsal fin; total vertebral counts average 99 (97-106). Molecular analysis of approximately 650 bp of the CO1 mitochondrial gene (DNA barcode region) showed separation of S. suckleyi and S. acanthias into two distinct genetic clades with 98% bootstrap support. Within species genetic diversities were 0.109±0.036% and 0.176±0.041% for S.suckleyi and S. acanthias respectively; between species diversity was 5- 6 fold greater at 0.765+0.307%. Squalussuckleyi is thus resurrected and a neotype for this endemic North Pacific Squalus species is designated. Copyright © 2010 Magnolia Press., Cited By (since 1996):20, ,
Author: Ebert, White, Goldman, Compagno, Daly-Engel, Ward
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Squatina caillieti sp. nov., a new species of angel shark (Chondrichthyes: Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) from the Philippine Islands,
Description: A new species of angel shark, Squatina caillieti sp. nov., is described from a single specimen collected in deepwater off Luzon in the Philippines. The new species is closest to S. formosa and S. nebulosa, but differs from its congeners based on the following characters: unfringed barbels with rod-like tips, upper lip arch semi-oval in shape, large papillae present on the inside posterior margin of the spiracles, a greater interspiracle space than interorbital space, pelvic fin-tips which reach the first dorsal origin, a short pelvic fin base, short pelvic inner margin very short, and a short pelvic posterior margin; pelvic girdle span more than 1.4 times greater than head length; dorsal fins angular, greater interdorsal space than dorsal caudal space; caudal fin lobed, very short upper postventral caudal margin. The new species is the only Squatina confirmed as occurring in the Philippines. We also comment on the biogeography of western North Pacific Squatina and provide a revised regional key to this group. Copyright © 2011., Cited By (since 1996):1, Fish and Fisheries, ,
Author: Walsh, Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Biodiversity and systematics of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei),
Description: Skates (Rajiformes: Rajoidei) are a highly diverse fish group, comprising more valid species than any other group of cartilaginous fishes. The high degree of endemism exhibited by the skates is somewhat enigmatic given their relatively conserved body morphology and apparent restrictive habitat, e.g. soft bottom substrates. Skates are primarily marine benthic dwellers found from the intertidal down to depths in excess of 3,000 m. They are most diverse at higher latitudes and in deepwater, but are replaced in shallower, warm temperate to tropical waters by stingrays (Myliobatodei). The number of valid skate species has increased exponentially, with more species having been described since 1950 (n = 126) than had been described in the previous 200 years (n = 119). Much of the renaissance in skate systematics has largely been through the efforts of a few individuals who through author-coauthor collaboration have accounted for 78 of the 131 species described since 1948 and for nine of 13 genera named since 1950. Furthermore, detailed regional surveys and accounts of skate biodiversity have also contributed to a better understanding of the diversity of the skates. A checklist of the living valid skate species is presented. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):31, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ontogenetic vertebral growth patterns in the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus,
Description: Age and growth of the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus (Gunnerus) was examined using vertebral samples from 13 females (261 to 856 cm total length [TL]), 16 males (311 to 840 cm TL) and 11 specimens of unknown sex (376 to 853 cm TL). Vertebral samples were obtained worldwide from museums and institutional and private collections. Examination of multiple vertebrae from along the vertebral column of 10 specimens indicated that vertebral morphology and band pair (alter-nating opaque and translucent bands) counts changed dramatically along an individual column. Smaller sharks had similar band pair counts along the length of the vertebral column while large sharks had a difference of up to 24 band pairs between the highest and lowest count along the column. Our evidence indicates that band pair deposition may be related to growth and not time in this species and thus the basking shark cannot be directly aged using vertebral band pair counts. © Inter-Research 2008., Cited By (since 1996):9, CODEN: MESED, , , Downloaded from: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v361/p267-278/ (13 June 2014).
Author: Natanson, Wintner, Johansson, Piercy, Campbell, De Maddalena, Gulak, Human, Fulgosi, Ebert, Hemida, Mollen, Vanni, Burgess, Compagno, Wedderburn-Maxwell
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A new lanternshark (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae: Etmopterus) from Southern Africa
Description: A new species of lanternshark, Etmopterus sculptus (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae), is described from southern Africa. The new species closely resembles other members of the "Etmopterus lucifer" group, especially the western North Pacific E. brachyurus, in having linear rows of dermal denticles. The new species is fairly common along the upper continental slopes between Namibia and southern Mozambique at depths between 450 and 900 m. The new species can be distinguished from other members of the E. lucifer species complex by a combination of characteristics, including arrangement of flank and caudal markings, and shape, size, and arrangement of dermal denticles along the body. © 2011 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists., Export Date: 24 September 2013, CODEN: COPAA, Fish and Fisheries
Author: Ebert, Compagno, De Vries
Date: 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Southern African skate biodiversity and distribution,
Description: The skates (Family Rajidae) have 12 genera and possibly 28 species off southern Africa (southern Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique). The geographic and bathymetric distribution and the taxonomic composition of the southern African skate fauna are analysed and the distribution mapped. The southern African skate fauna is best known off the temperate west coast of South Africa from the intertidal to approximately 1,200 meters, but poorly known below 1,200 m and sketchily known in warm-temperate and tropical parts of the area. Southern African skates of the temperate continental shelves above 100 m are not diverse and regularly include one species of the genus Dipturus, one species of Leucoraja, two species of Raja (including R. straeleni, the most abundant skate in southern African waters) and the giant skate Rostroraja alba. All of these skates are 'shelf overlap' species that range onto the outer shelves and uppermost slopes, and none are confined to inshore environments. Skate diversity increases on the outer shelves and upper slopes. At least half of the skate species are endemic to the southern African region; other species also occur off East or West Africa, a few extend to European waters, and records of one species, Amblyraja taaf, appear to be of strays from nearby sub-Antarctic seas. The genus Bathyraja and softnose skate group (Arhynchobatinae) are surprisingly limited (a single species) in deep-water off southern Africa (unlike other regions including the Antarctic), and almost all of southern African skates are members of the Rajinae. Amongst rajines, the tribes Amblyrajini (Amblyraja, two species, Leucoraja, two species, and Rajella, five species) Rajini (Dipturus, six species, Okamejei, one species, Raja, two species, and Rostroraja, one species), and Anacanthobatini (Anacanthobatis, two species, and Cruriraja, three species) predominate, while Gurgesiellini has a species of Neoraja and possibly two of Malacoraja. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc., Cited By (since 1996):3, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: EBFID, ,
Author: Compagno, Ebert
Date: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa,
Description: New information is presented on the reproductive biology of 22 southern African skate species. Sex ratios for most species were relatively even. Sexual dimorphic differences in disc shape were evident in all species, but the total length (LT) to disc width (D) relationship was significantly different in only three species, and the LT to weight (W) relationship significant in just five species. Sexual dimorphism relative to maximum total length (LTmax) was absent in all but the two largest species. Males and females of the same species grow to a similar L Tmax except those whose LTmax is >1.5 m LT. Size at first and 50% (LT50) sexual maturity was approximately the same for both sexes in all but the two largest species. First maturity occurred at >60% of LTmax for all species for which sufficient data were available, and most (n = 18) matured at >75% LTmax. The large size at maturity relative to LTmax suggests that growth slows or is partially suspended following sexual maturity. The egg cases of 15 species are described, and a key to their identification is presented. Egg cases in utero were observed throughout the year suggesting that most species reproduce year-round. © 2007 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved., Cited By (since 1996):20m, Fish and Fisheries, CODEN: ICESE, ,
Author: Ebert, Compagno, Cowley
Date: 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A new legskate (Rajoidei: Genus Cruriraja) from Southern Africa,
Description: A common legskate from southern Africa, misidentified for the last half century as Cruriraja parcomaculata, is redescribed as C. hulleyi. A number of morphometric and meristic characters are identified that distinguish C. hulleyi from C. parcomaculata (=triangularis). Cruriraja hulleyi exhibits midback thorns in a continuous row above the anterior half of the abdominal region, the interdorsal space is usually greater than half the dorsal-fin base length, the clasper eperon is not bifurcate, and the clasper ventral surface lacks dermal denticles. Relative to C. parcomaculata, C. hulleyi is larger, has a shorter snout, smaller eyes, a more obtuse snout angle, fewer lower jaw tooth rows, more turns in the spiral valve, more nuchal thorns, exhibits scapular thorn patches and more predorsal midline thorns, and has a spatulate rather than pointed distal tip of the anterior lobe of the pelvic fin. The two species occur in allopatry, with C. hulleyi ranging from Namibia to the Eastern Cape Coast of South Africa and C. parcomaculata distributed from kwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to Mozambique. © 2010 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists., Cited By (since 1996):1, CODEN: COPAA, , , Fish and Fisheries
Author: Aschliman, Ebert, Compagno
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Description of a new species of chimaerid, Chimaera bahamaensis from the Bahamas (Holocephali),
Description: A new species of chimaera, Chimaera bahamaensis sp. nov., is described from a single specimen collected in Bahamian waters, east of Andros Island, in the western North Atlantic. The new species is only the fourth member of this genus known to occur in the Atlantic Ocean. It is distinguished from other Atlantic Ocean Chimaera species by a combination of morphometric characters and coloration including a relatively large body, long pre-narial length, short pectoral-pelvic space, long pelvic-caudal space, caudal ventral margin ending slightly posterior to caudal dorsal margin, and a uniform caramel brown coloration with dark brown fins. This new species is compared to Chimaera monstrosa Linnaeus, 1758, Chimaera cubana Howell-Rivero, 1936, and Chimaera cf. monstrosa, the only other species in the genus Chimaera known to occur in the Atlantic Ocean., Cited By (since 1996):1, CODEN: BMRSA, ,
Author: Kemper, Ebert, Didier, Compagno
Date: 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z