Aden Gulf torpedo
| Aden Gulf torpedo | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Superorder: | Batoidea |
| Order: | Torpediniformes |
| Family: | Torpedinidae |
| Genus: | Torpedo |
| Species: | T. adenensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Torpedo adenensis | |
The Aden Gulf torpedo or Aden torpedo (Torpedo adenensis) is a poorly known
trawling
that occurs in the region.
Taxonomy
The first specimens of the Aden Gulf torpedo were collected in 1989 by the former
claspers.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Possibly an eastern Gulf of Aden endemic, the Aden Gulf torpedo has been caught from depths between 26 and 140 m (85 and 459 ft) at three close locations off the coast of Yemen.[2]
Description
The Aden Gulf torpedo has a thick, nearly circular
pectoral fin disc wider than long, with a nearly straight anterior margin. The eyes are fairly small and immediately followed by large, rounded spiracles; each spiracle has a subtly raised rim that bears a series of tiny knob-like papillae along the posterior margin. The nostrils are surrounded by folds, and have a short and wide curtain of skin between them that reaches the mouth. The teeth are arranged with a quincunx pattern and number 33–47 rows in the upper jaw and 32–39 rows in the lower jaws. Each tooth has a single sharp cusp. There are five curved gill slits.[2]
The tail is short and robust, and bears subtle lateral skin folds along either side. The origins of the
dermal denticles. This species is a plain reddish to orange brown above, with a very thin pale posterior margin on the dorsal and caudal fins. The underside is light cream, with darker reddish coloring along the pectoral and pelvic fin margins, outlining the ampullae of Lorenzini, and as blotches under the tail. One female specimen had faint, tiny pale spots scattered over the disc, possibly artifacts of preservation.[2] The maximum known length is 41 cm (16 in).[1]
Biology and ecology
Virtually nothing is known of the natural history of the Aden Gulf torpedo. Like other members of its family, it has well-developed
aplacental viviparous like other electric rays.[3] Both sexes attain sexual maturity at between 28 and 40 cm (11 and 16 in) long.[2]
Human interactions
Electric rays, such as the Aden Gulf torpedo, are susceptible to
fisheries operating within this species' restricted range, leading to concerns regarding its population. Therefore, the IUCN has assessed it as Endangered.[1]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ S2CID 198159708.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2010). "Torpedo adanensis" in FishBase. December 2010 version.