Données nouvelles sur la morphologie des Dasyatidae (Pisces, Rajiformes) des côtes Tunisiennes

Abstract

In this paper new data are presented on the morphology of five species of Dasyatidae from Tunisian coasts. These data only concern the anatomy of neurocranium, of the pelvic girdle and of the claspers of Dasyatis pastinaca (Linne, 1758); D. tortonesei Capape, 1977; D. centroura (Mitchill, 1815) and D. violacea (Bonaparte, 1832); and a complete redescription of Taeniura grabata (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817). A comparative interspecific study of the neurocranium, the pelvic girdle and of the claspers results in some morphological differences not very important but which can contribute to distinguish between these Dasyatidae.