The origin, interrelationship and distribution of Southern African Rajidae (Chondrichthyes, Batoidei)

The systematics of the Rajidae (skates) of southern Africa are revised, with a view to clearing up the confusion which now exists, and to forming a reliable basis for future biological studies. To date, some 150 - 160 species have been described for the genus Raja alone. The existing confusion probably results from the sexual dimorphism which occurs within the species and variation in form with growth. Modern methods advocate the use of characters, other than external features, the most reliable being the clasper anatomy, neurocranial structure and vertebral count, and these principles have been applied in the present revision.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1971

Author dc:creator

• Hulley, Percy Alexander

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Millard, N A H

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/18104

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/18104