Cruriraja durbanensis (Smoothnose legskate)

(von Bonde & Swart, 1924)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Batoidei > Rajoidei > Rajidae > Anacanthobatidae

Cruriraja durbanensis (Smoothnose legskate) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

A legskate with a pointed, thornless snout, but with large whitish thorns present on shoulders, around eyes, and in a single row from nape to first dorsal fin. Colour uniform reddish brown above, lighter below.

Size

To at least 31 cm TL and about 18 cm DW (juveniles).

Range and Habitat

West coast, in deep water on the bottom off Port Nolloth at 859 m, not off Durban as its scientific name suggests. Endemic.

Biology

Unknown.

Human Impact

Rare, two original specimens lost, more wanted.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale