New Species of Squatina (Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) from Brazil, with Comments on the Taxonomy of Angel Sharks from the Central and Northwestern Atlantic

摘要

Morphological analysis of South-and Northwestern Atlantic specimens of Squatina revealed an undescribed species of angel shark occurring on the continental slope of Brazil between latitudes 11 degrees and 22 degrees S. The new species of Squatina is distinguished from western Atlantic congeners by a unique combination of dorsal color pattern, vertebral counts, morphology of lateral dermal folds, dermal denticles, female reproductive tract, clasper, and pectoral fin characters. A preliminary assessment of the taxonomy of angel shark species from the Central and Northwestern Atlantic is also provided.