Chupare stingray

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Chupare stingray
Himantura schmardae xelha.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Superorder: Batoidea
Order: Myliobatiformes
Family: Potamotrygonidae
Genus: Styracura
Species:
S. schmardae
Binomial name
Styracura schmardae
(Werner, 1904)
Synonyms

Himantura schmardae(Werner, 1904)
Trygon schmardaeWerner, 1904

Contents

The chupare stingray or Caribbean whiptail stingray (Styracura schmardae) is a species of stingray in the family Potamotrygonidae, found in the western Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Campeche to Brazil, including the Antilles. [1] [2] The presence of this species in the Gulf of Mexico has not been confirmed. [3] It also occurs in the Bahamas. [4] It usually inhabits sandy substrates, sometimes near coral reefs, and is an infrequent visitor to the Amazon River estuary. Leonard Compagno doubted the taxonomic validity of this species in his 1999 Checklist of Living Elasmobranchs. [5]

Description

This is a large species with a maximum reported disk width of two meters (6.6 ft). [5] It has an oval pectoral fin disk with a long, broad-angled snout; the front margin of the disk is almost straight. The mouth is arched with indentations at the symphysis and five papillae on the floor. The teeth have elliptical bases and flattened cusps with a scallop-edged central depression. The upper jaw contains 28-36 rows of teeth. The tail is relatively short and slender, without fin folds but having subtle ventral and lateral ridges towards the base. There is a single saw-toothed spine located on the latter half of the tail. The upper surface of the body and tail are covered with small tubercles; there are large tubercles with four radiating ridges each on the shoulder region. The coloration is dark brown to olive above and yellowish white below, darkening to blackish towards the tip of the tail. [6]

Taxonomy

The chupare stingray is believed to be the sister species of the Pacific chupare (S. pacifica), which is morphologically similar and shares the four-ridged shoulder tubercles. These two species are together known as the "amphi-American Himantura ". Based on the details of the mandibular musculature and articulation, the amphi-American Himantura are hypothesized to be the closest relatives of the river stingrays (family Potamotrygonidae), rather than to Indo-Pacific Himantura species. [7] This has given rise to the theory that both the amphi-American Himantura and the river stingrays are descended from euryhaline ancestors living along the northern coast of South America prior to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. This interpretation was initially controversial, as parasitological evidence suggests that the river stingrays are most closely related to Pacific round rays in the genus Urobatis . [7] In 2016, a major review of "Himantura" based on morphology and molecular evidence confirmed the position of the chupare stingray, and it was moved to the genus Styracura (together with the Pacific chupare) in the family Potamotrygonidae. [2] [8]

Behavior and fishing

This species is not common and almost nothing is known of its biology or habits. [1] It is reported to be ovoviviparous, like other stingrays. [5] Known parasites of this species include the nematode Echinocephalus daileyi and the cestode Anindobothrium anacolum. [9] [10] The chupare stingray is taken as bycatch by artisanal and commercial fisheries using nets and hook-and-line, and also serves as a subsistence food source. [1] In addition to its meat, which is marketed salted, this species is also used to produce gelatin and oil. [5]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myliobatiformes</span> Order of cartilaginous fishes

Myliobatiformes is one of the four orders of batoids, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They were formerly included in the order Rajiformes, but more recent phylogenetic studies have shown the myliobatiforms to be a monophyletic group, and its more derived members evolved their highly flattened shapes independently of the skates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potamotrygonidae</span> Family of cartilaginous fishes

River stingrays or freshwater stingrays are Neotropical freshwater fishes of the family Potamotrygonidae in the order Myliobatiformes, one of the four orders of batoids, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They are found in rivers in tropical and subtropical South America. A single marine genus, Styracura, of the tropical West Atlantic and East Pacific are also part of Potamotrygonidae. They are generally brownish, greyish or black, often with a mottled, speckled or spotted pattern, have disc widths ranging from 31 to 200 centimetres (1.0–6.6 ft) and venomous tail stingers. River stingrays feed on a wide range of smaller animals and the females give birth to live young. There are more than 35 species in five genera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Round ribbontail ray</span> Species of stingray

The round ribbontail ray or blotched fantail ray, is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, found throughout the nearshore waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific, as well as off islands in the eastern Pacific. It is a bottom-dwelling inhabitant of lagoons, estuaries, and reefs, generally at a depth of 20–60 m (66–197 ft). Reaching 1.8 m (5.9 ft) across, this large ray is characterized by a thick, rounded pectoral fin disc covered by small tubercles on top, and a relatively short tail bearing a deep ventral fin fold. In addition, it has a variable but distinctive light and dark mottled pattern on its upper surface, and a black tail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Longtail stingray</span> Species of cartilaginous fish

The longtail stingray, is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, found in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Colombia. It inhabits sandy habitats down to a depth of 90 m (300 ft). Measuring up to 1.56 m (5.1 ft) across, this species has a rhomboid pectoral fin disc, a lower fin fold on the tail, and numerous dermal denticles along the back and behind the stinging spine. The longtail stingray feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling bony fishes and crustaceans. It is aplacental viviparous, with females giving birth to 1–5 young in late summer. It is caught for food, likely throughout its range, but specific fishery data is lacking.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bluespotted ribbontail ray</span> Species of cartilaginous fish

The bluespotted ribbontail ray is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae. Found from the intertidal zone to a depth of 30 m (100 ft), this species is common throughout the tropical Indian and western Pacific Oceans in nearshore, coral reef-associated habitats. It is a fairly small ray, not exceeding 35 cm (14 in) in width, with a mostly smooth, oval pectoral fin disc, large protruding eyes, and a relatively short and thick tail with a deep fin fold underneath. It can be easily identified by its striking color pattern of many electric blue spots on a yellowish background, with a pair of blue stripes on the tail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocellate river stingray</span> Species of cartilaginous fish

The ocellate river stingray, also known as the peacock-eye stingray or black river stingray, is a species of freshwater stingray in the family Potamotrygonidae. It was the first species to be described in the family and is also the most widespread, ranging throughout much of the Río de la Plata, Amazon, Mearim and Orinoco basins in tropical and subtropical South America. It is sometimes kept in aquaria.

<i>Potamotrygon</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Potamotrygon is a genus of freshwater stingrays in the family Potamotrygonidae native to the rivers of South America, and sometimes seen in the aquarium trade.

<i>Himantura</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Himantura is a genus of stingray in the family Dasyatidae that is native to the Indo-Pacific. In a 2016 taxonomic revision, many of the species formerly assigned to Himantura were reassigned to other genera.

<i>Urogymnus</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Urogymnus is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae from marine, brackish and freshwater habitats in the Indo-Pacific and tropical East Atlantic regions. The genus was previously considered to be monotypic, containing only the porcupine ray. Molecular phylogenetic research published in 2016 reassigned several species from Himantura to Urogymnus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whiptail stingray</span> Family of fishes

The whiptail stingrays are a family, the Dasyatidae, of rays in the order Myliobatiformes. They are found worldwide in tropical to temperate marine waters, and a number of species have also penetrated into fresh water in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Members of this family have flattened pectoral fin discs that range from oval to diamond-like in shape. Their common name comes from their whip-like tails, which are much longer than the disc and lack dorsal and caudal fins. All whiptail stingrays, except the porcupine ray, have one or more venomous stings near the base of the tail, which is used in defense. In order to sting their victims, they jerk their tails as the stinger falls off and stays in the wound that they have created. The stinger of a whiptail stingray is pointy, sharp with jagged edges. They range in size from 0.18 to 2.0 m or more across in the case of the smalleye stingray and giant freshwater stingray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pacific chupare</span> Species of cartilaginous fish

The Pacific chupare or Pacific whiptail stingray is a species of stingray in the family Potamotrygonidae. It has been reported off the Pacific coast of Central America from Oaxaca, Mexico to Costa Rica, and also around the Galapagos Islands. It is usually found in shallow water on soft silty or muddy flats; it is unknown whether this species is tolerant of low salinity like the related chupare stingray. Leonard Compagno doubted the taxonomic validity of this species in his 1999 Checklist of Living Elasmobranchs.

Heliotrygon gomesi, or Gomes's round ray, is a species of freshwater stingray native to the western Amazon basin in South America, specifically Brazil. It is the type species of its genus. It spends the day in deep river channels, but moves closer to the shore at night to feed.

<i>Taeniurops</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Taeniurops is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae. Its two species were formerly contained within the genus Taeniura.

<i>Bathytoshia</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes


Bathytoshia is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate oceans. It was formerly regarded as a junior synonym of the genus Dasyatis.

<i>Brevitrygon</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Brevitrygon is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae from the Indo-Pacific. Its species were formerly contained within the genus Himantura.

<i>Fluvitrygon</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Fluvitrygon is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae from freshwater in southeast Asia. Its species were formerly contained within the genus Himantura.

<i>Maculabatis</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Maculabatis is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae from the Indo-Pacific. Its species were formerly contained within the genus Himantura.

<i>Pateobatis</i> Genus of fishes

Pateobatis is a genus of stingrays in the family Dasyatidae from the Indo-Pacific. Its species were formerly contained within the genus Himantura.

<i>Potamotrygon falkneri</i> Species of cartilaginous fish

Potamotrygon falkneri, the largespot river stingray or reticulated freshwater stingray, is a species of freshwater stingray in the family Potamotrygonidae from tropical and subtropical South America. It is sometimes seen in the aquarium trade, but requires a very large tank.

<i>Styracura</i> Genus of cartilaginous fishes

Styracura is a genus of stingray in the family Potamotrygonidae and the only genus in the subfamily Styracurinae. The two species in this genus were formerly included in Himantura, but were moved to Styracura in 2016 based on morphology and molecular evidence. Unlike other members of the family Potamotrygonidae, also known as freshwater stingrays, Styracura are found in the tropical West Atlantic and East Pacific.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Dulvy, N.K.; Charvet, P.; Pollom, R.; Avalos, C.; Blanco-Parra, MP, Briones Bell-lloch, A.; Cardenosa, D.; Derrick, D.; Espinoza, E.; Mejía-Falla, P.A.; Morales-Saldaña, J.M.; Naranjo-Elizondo, B.; Navia, A.F.; Simpson, N.J.; Schneider, E.V.C. (2021). "Styracura schmardae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T60161A3090840. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T60161A3090840.en . Retrieved 14 November 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 Carvalho, M.R.d.; Loboda, T.S.; Silva, J.P.C.B.d. (2016). "A new subfamily, Styracurinae, and new genus, Styracura, for Himantura schmardae (Werner, 1904) and Himantura pacifica (Beebe & Tee-Van, 1941) (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes)". Zootaxa. 4075 (3): 201–221. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4175.3.1. PMID   27811760.
  3. ↑ Parsons, G.R. (2006). Sharks, Skates, and Rays of the Gulf of Mexico: a Field Guide . University Press of Mississippi. ISBN   1-57806-827-4.
  4. ↑ Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences (Vol. 143). Academy of Natural Sciences. 1991. ISBN   1-4379-5542-8.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2009). "Himantura schmardae" in FishBase . March 2009 version.
  6. ↑ McEachran, J.D.; Fechhelm, J.D. (1998). Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico: Myxiniformes to Gasterosteiformes. University of Texas Press. ISBN   0-292-75206-7.
  7. 1 2 Lovejoy, N.R. (1996). "Systematics of myliobatoid elasmobranchs: with emphasis on the phylogeny and historical biogeography of neotropical freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae: Rajiformes)". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 117 (3): 207–257. doi: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1996.tb02189.x .
  8. ↑ Last, P.R.; Naylor, G.J.; Manjaji-Matsumoto, B.M. (2016). "A revised classification of the family Dasyatidae (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) based on new morphological and molecular insights". Zootaxa. 4139 (3): 345–368. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4139.3.2. PMID   27470808.
  9. ↑ Deardorff, T.L.; Brooks, D.R. & Thorson, T.B. (Jun 1981). "A new species of Echinocephalus (Nematoda: Gnathostomidae) from neotropical stingrays with comments on E. diazi". The Journal of Parasitology. 67 (3): 433–439. doi:10.2307/3280568. JSTOR   3280568.
  10. ↑ Marques, F.P.L.; Brooks, D.R. & Lasso, C.A. (2001). "Anindobothrium N. Gen. (Eucestoda: Tetraphyllidea) Inhabiting Marine and Freshwater Potamotrygonid Stingrays". Journal of Parasitology. 87 (3): 666–672. doi:10.1645/0022-3395(2001)087[0666:ANGETI]2.0.CO;2. PMID   11426733. S2CID   18975689.
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