taxonID	type	description	language	source
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	description	http: // zoobank. org / 0 D 7 EA 76 E- 5268 - 47 D 2 - 882 B- 866 E 9 FA 8 BAE 4	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	vernacular_names	(Malagasy blue-spotted guitarfish)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	description	(Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, Table 1)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	materials_examined	The holotype and seven paratypes are deposited in the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB); three paratypes in the Muséum national d’ Histoire naturelle, Paris (MNHN); two paratypes in the American Museum of Natural History, New York (AMNH); and one paratype in each of the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) and National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C. (USNM). Holotype SAIAB 97396, 565 mm TL (fresh), 550 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Douane Beach, Fort Dauphin, Anosy, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 1.651 ′ S, 46 ° 59.736 ′ E, collectors E. Heemstra, T. Razafimanambina, and P. C. Heemstra, 27 April 2010. Paratypes (14) SAIAB 189672, 200 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Secteur de Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 5.5 ′ S, 47 ° 5.5 ′ E, 69 – 70 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3569, beam trawl, 8 May 2010; SAIAB 189683, 178 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Secteur de Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 4.7 ′ S, 47 ° 3.4 ′ E, 64 – 65 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3568, beam trawl, 8 May 2010; SAIAB 189815 (2 specimens), 215 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male and 345 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile female, Secteur de Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 14.6 ′ S, 47 ° 9.1 ′ E, 79 – 80 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3510, beam trawl, 29 April 2010; SAIAB 189816, 602 mm TL (fresh), 595 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Sud-Ouest Cap Andavaka, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 16.9 ′ S, 46 ° 31.3 ′ E, 53 – 54 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3549, beam trawl, 4 May 2010; SAIAB 189943, 195 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Secteur de Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 6.6 ′ S, 47 ° 6.9 ′ E, 75 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3570, beam trawl, 8 May 2010; SAIAB 205733, 191 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Secteur de Fort Dauphin, southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 8.3 ′ S, 47 ° 9.1 ′ E, 77 m depth, FV NOSY BE 11, station CP 3571, beam trawl, 8 May 2010; CAS-ICH 247251 (ex SAIAB 192245), 340 mm TL (fresh), 325 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, off southeastern Madagascar, 25 ° 3.16 ′ S, 47 ° 4.41 ′ E, ACEP 08 - 352 / ASCLME survey, trawl 13, collector J. Escobar, depth of capture 69 m, 8 September 2008; MNHN 1929 - 223, 603 mm TL, juvenile female, collected between Tuléar (Toliara) and Ankilibe, southwestern Madagascar, collector G. Petit; MNHN 1985 - 231, 318 mm TL, juvenile male, Toliara, southwestern Madagascar; MNHN 1989 - 553, 466 mm TL, juvenile male, Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro), southeastern Madagascar; AMNH 232484, 265 mm TL, juvenile male, field number PD- 00 - XII- 11 MAD, off northeastern Madagascar, Antongil Bay, Ambodipaka, 16 ° 4.59 ′ S, 49 ° 37 ′ E, local fishermen, P. Doukakis & Mananjo, 11 December 2000; AMNH 232511, 361 mm TL, juvenile female, field number PD- 01 - III- 27 MAD, off northeastern Madagascar, Antongil Bay, Rantohely, 15 ° 38.59 ′ S, 49 ° 39 ′ E, local fishermen, P. Doukakis, 27 March 2001; USNM 171058, ~ 177 mm TL, male embryo, Madagascar, FV NOSY BE, collector J. Millot, March 1955.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Alarge Acroteriobatus species distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal surface smooth, without prominent thorns or tubercles, except for enlarged granular denticles partially around orbital rims and irregularly distributed along midline from nape to somewhat anterior to first dorsal-fin origin; absent between dorsal fins and upper caudal fin. Snout semi-translucent with elongated bluish-gray spots giving “ stripe-nosed ” appearance, numerous small bluishgray spots covering disc and pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudal fins on a brown background with larger, slightly darker, indistinct brown spots covering the tail and fin bases; outer edges of pelvic-fin margins white, lateral tail folds striped orange and white; ventral surface white, except for a V-shape patternof faint to dark speckledblack spots onsnout tip. Nasal lamellae 42 – 48; upper jaw tooth row count ~ 80 – 87; 179 – 185 post-synarcual centra; 195 – 200 total vertebral segments; 64 – 68 total pectoral skeleton radials.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	description	Description of the holotype Values of the eight paratypes at SAIAB and CAS, as well as the two larger paratypes at MNHN in parentheses, more complex differences are described separately. Where relevant, ratios are based on horizontal measurements unless otherwise stated. Detailed morphometric measurements and meristics of the holotype, eight paratypes at SAIAB and CAS, and the two larger paratypes at MNHN are given in Table 1. External morphology (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) Disc wedge-shaped, narrowly angular anteriorly, snout angle in front of eyes 79.1 ° (76 – 84.6 °); anteriormargin undulate, outer pectoral margin broadly rounded, posterior margin convex, rear tip broadly rounded; disc length 1.22 (1.13 – 1.24) times its width. Pelvic fins elongate, short-based, base length 1.82 (0.82 – 1.76) times inner margin length; pelvic-fin total length 1.55 (1.43 – 2.13) times base length, 2.29 (1.95 – 3.96) times width; anterior margin weakly concave anteriorly, becoming convex posterior to constriction at the level of first propterygials, turning to weakly concave posterior to the level of posterior margin of spiracles and again becoming weakly convex towards broadly rounded apex, posterior margin weakly convex, free rear tip narrowly rounded. Tail elongate, becoming slender, tapering weakly to caudal; depressed, in cross section rounded above, nearly flat below; tail length from anterior cloaca 1.47 (1.29 – 1.81) times precloacal length, 1.43 (1.25 – 1.64) timesdisc length, and 5.95 (4.28 – 6.42) times body width at pelvic-fin insertions; body width 2.2 (2.25 – 3.22) times depth at pelvic-fin insertions, 2.41 (2.5 – 3.17) at first dorsal-fin origin, 2.23 (1.58 – 2.5) at second dorsal-fin origin. Dermal fold lateral along tail, its origin just posterior to pelvic-fin insertion, extending to just behind the ventral origin of caudal-fin; fold well developed, maximum width at interdorsal space slightly more than the width of posterior nasal flap (Figs. 1, 2, and 3). Head moderately elongate, ventral length 25.3 (25.2 – 29.8) % TL, dorsal length 24.2 (25.7 – 33.5) % TL; snout rather short, bluntly pointed, preoral length 2.44 (2.00 – 2.62) times mouth width, 4.88 (3.75 – 4.89) times internarial distance, 1.15 (1.05 – 2.27) times dorsal caudal-fin margin, 2.86 (2.27 – 2.9) times distance from nostril to margin of disc; direct preorbital snout length 2.38 (1.92 – 2.39) times interspiracular distance, 4.06 (2.9 – 4.09) times orbit diameter, 3.63 (3.09 – 3.63) times skeletal interorbital space; interorbital space weakly concave, relatively broad; eyes moderately large, slightly elevated, but not protruding, orbit diameter 1.7 (0.92 – 2.5) times spiracle length, 0.89 (0.85 – 1.13) times skeletal interorbital distance. Spiracles relatively large, narrowly bean-shaped; two prominent and strongly compressed folds on upper posterior margin, length of inner spiracular fold 0.7 (0.5 – 0.7) times that of outer fold; distance between bases of folds 0.5 (0.3 – 0.7) times length of shortest fold (Figs. 4, 5, and 6). Nostril moderate large, oblique, all nasal flaps well developed; anterior aperture subcircular; nostril length 3.14 (2.6 – 3.83) times anterior aperture width, 1.22 (0.95 – 1.6) times anterior nasal-flap base length, 0.76 (0.53 – 0.77) times distance from nostril to edge of disc, 1.29 (1.0 – 1.28) times internarial distance. Anterior nasal-flap base greatly extended, penetrating horizontally into internarial space, mesial edges barely separated (by about width of posterior nasal flap); innermost extension of flap not narrow; flap base length 1.80 (1.6 – 2.6) times its width at process, 2.57 (1.67 – 3.28) times anterior aperture width; minimum distance between mesial insertions of flaps 7.29 (4.8 – 13.0) in greatest distance across nostrils anteriorly, 2.43 (1.6 – 4.5) in minimum internarial distance; process of flap two or more times as long as wide, narrowing distally to blunt pointed tip, and adjoining with posterolateral nasal flap and anterior aperture posterior margin. Posterolateral nasal flap well developed, lobe-like, broadest medially, length 3.0 (1.22 – 3.5) times its width; origin slightly posterior to lateral extremity of anterior nasal aperture, with free fold posteriorly extending nearly to the level of anterior nasal flap insertion. Posterior nasal flap well developed, lobelike, base length 1.86 (1.67 – 3.0) times its width, its inner edge nearly reaching innermost margin of nostril; width 1.0 (1.0 – 1.67) times anterior aperture width, 1.4 (1.0 – 2.0) times posterolateral nasal-flap width (Figs. 7, 8, and 9). Mouth width 1.55 (1.44 – 2.0) times nostril length, 6.56 (5.13 – 6.71) in precloacal length; positioned beneath posterior margin of orbit. Upper jaw slightly convex, upper lip broadly arched; lower lip not pronounced, not separated from oral groove by ridges of strongly corrugated skin; corners of mouth with several strong, short lateral grooves. Teeth arranged in quincunx, small, close-set, rhombic, broad-based with short, bluntly rounded cusp; upper and lower teeth similar in shape and size; ~ 84 (~ 80 – 87) tooth rows in upper and ~ 79 (~ 80 – 87) in lower jaws. Gill openings strongly wavy; length of third gill slit 2.75 (1.93 – 3.0) in nostril length, 5.5 (4.75 – 6.67) in distance between fifth gill slits; distance between first gill slits 1.48 (1.3 – 1.58) times distance between fifth gill slits; distance between fifth gill slits 2.59 (2.22 – 2.73) times internarial distance, 1.29 (1.12 – 1.54) times mouth width, 0.32 (0.29 – 0.37) of ventral head length (Fig. 9). Dorsal fins erect, relatively tall, dissimilar in size and shape; first dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving rearwards towards rounded apex; posterior margin weakly convex near tip, then becoming weakly concave to nearly straight; second dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving rearwards towards pointed apex; posterior margin nearly straight; free rear tips rounded of both dorsal fins, almost forming right angle, not produced; first dorsal fin height subequal to second, length of first 0.93 (0.92 – 1.44) times height, its base length 2.15 (1.17 – 2.5) times inner margin length; second dorsal-fin length 1.0 (0.93 – 1.42) times its height, base length 1.47 (1.34 – 2.21) times inner margin length (Fig. 10 a, b). First dorsal-fin origin well posterior to pelvic-fin free rear tips, interspace 1.29 (1.0 – 1.15) times interdorsal distance; interdorsal space relatively short, 1.48 (1.16 – 2.09) times second dorsal-fin height, 2.11 (1.88 – 2.88) times base of first dorsal fin, 1.11 (0.71 – 1.25) times tail width at origin of first dorsal fin, 1.59 (1.11 – 1.9) times interspace between second dorsal-fin insertion and upper origin of caudal fin. Caudal fin relatively small; dorsal caudal margin weakly convex, length 1.6 (1.53 – 2.08) times preventral margin length; ventral lobe broadly rounded; posterior margin weakly concave; fin tip acutely pointed (Fig. 10 c). Dermal denticles mostly minute, close-set, covering entire body and fins; surfaces mostly smooth to the touch, except for a continuous row of ~ 15 to 20 somewhat enlarged granular and smaller denticles around the anterior and inner rim of orbits, extending to the anterior edge of inner spiracle; enlarged, coarse denticles patchily distributed along midline from nape to ~ 50 mm anterior to first dorsal-fin origin, absent along midline between dorsal fins and upper caudal origin; enlarged denticles absent on snout tip, anterior and lateral margins of disc, pelvic fins, and bases of dorsal fins; nasal flaps and lamellae naked. Crowns of denticles mostly oval, except largest denticles with slightly erect, bluntly acute cusp, base stellate. Thorns absent. Prebranchial sensory pore patch distinct, extending to just behind the level of third gill slit. Post-scapular sensory canal rather indistinct, weakly undulated anteriorly, terminating near pectoral-fin insertions; sensory pores minute, canal not forming a shallow groove (Fig. 3). Rostral cartilage broad, its shaft just slightly increasing in width posteriorly from rostral node; rostral node rounded at apex, not angular, broadly expanded, relatively short, axis at maximum node width 34.1 (33.6 – 39.3) % of length of rostral cartilage from tip; anterior fontanelle relatively broad posteriorly, tapering gradually towards rostral node, dorsolateral edges of cartilage surrounding fontanelle (rostral ridges on surface of snout) well separated posteriorly, not constricting medially; rostral cartilage 57.5 (52.6 – 57.1) % of neurocranium length, ventral edges of rostral cartilage united; nasal capsules large, with their transverse axes directed anterolaterally; width of cranium across nasal capsules 1.25 (1.17 – 1.27) times nasobasal length (base of rostrum to occipital condyles); width of nasal capsule 1.79 (1.56 – 1.87) times its length; basal plate relatively broad, its minimum width 3.37 (3.15 – 3.75) times in nasobasal length; cranial roof with small, oval-shaped fenestra, with its anterior edge located behind precerebral cavity by a distance ~ 1.5 times its length; anterior cartilage triangular, narrow, posteriorly wedge-shaped, without an anterior lobe extending past nasal capsules; preorbital processes well developed; postorbital processes moderately large, not bifurcate; greatest width across processes 1.91 (1.79 – 1.99) times in nasobasal length (Fig. 11). Nasal lamellae 45 (42 – 48). Pectoral skeleton with 32 (30 – 32) propterygial, 9 (8 – 10) mesopterygial, 2 (1 – 2) neopterygial, 25 (24 – 25) metapterygial, amounting to 68 (64 – 68) total radials. Total pelvic-fin radials 25 (24 – 27). Total vertebral segment (synarcual and free) counts 196 (195 – 200); post-synarcual centra 180 (179 – 185); precaudal centra (excluding synarcual centra) 139 (137 – 144); synarcual segments 16 (14 – 17); monospondylous precaudal centra 39 (37 – 42); diplosondylous precaudal centra 100 (98 – 104); diplosondylous caudal centra 41 (40 – 42). Monospondylous to diplosondylous centra transition posterior to pelvic girdle. Coloration Prior to preservation: dorsal surface light to medium brown with an orangish tinge, an organized pattern of smaller bluishgray circular spots, with a darker ring encircling a lighter bluish-gray center, and indistinct larger brownish spots (Figs. 1 and 4); smaller bluish-gray spots cover thesnout, disc, pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudal fins; larger brownish spots mostly coverthetail andfin bases, but not extending onto fins; snout semi-translucent with somewhat elongated bluish-gray spots giving it a stripe-nosed appearance (Figs. 1, 4, and 12). Outer edges of pelvic-fin margins white, outer edges of posterior dorsal-fin margins translucent whitish, lateral tail folds striped orange and white. Ventral surface mostly white, except for faint to dark speckled black spots forming a V-shape on rostral snout tip; spots becoming darker and more numerous with growth (Fig. 7); in small (≤ 215 mm TL), newborn specimens short V-shaped black lines with faint dark spots at base extending from tip to about one-third snout length to midpoint of internostril space; larger individuals (> 300 mm TL) with prominent dark to black spots, becoming more numerous and with spots extending to about the midpoint of rostrum; pectoral and pelvic fins mostly white, except fin edges brownish (Fig. 7). After preservation: dorsal surface similar but bluish-gray spots less pronounced and large brownish spots mostly faded and not evident (Fig. 2). Ventral surface also similar, except edges of pectoral and pelvic-fin margins fade to a lighter brown (Fig. 3). Size The new species is described from 15 specimens (ten males and five females), ranging in size from 177 to 603 mm TL. All types are juvenile, the size at birth is ~ 180 mm TL. Based on images of unretained specimens (Fig. 12), Acroteriobatus andysabini sp. nov. is a large species of Acroteriobatus growing to more than 1000 mm TL.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	distribution	Distribution Acroteriobatus andysabini sp. nov. is presently only known from the coastal waters surrounding Madagascar and may be endemic to this region (Fig. 13). Records are from off Tôlanaro, Anosy region, and Cape Andavaka (southeastern Madagascar), Toliara and Ankilibe (southwestern Madagascar), and Antongil Bay (northeastern Madagascar). Its depth range is from shallow coastal waters to at least 80 m. Fricke et al. (2018) reported A. leucospilus as anew species record for Madagascar but commented that the species had been misidentified previously as Rhinobatos (= Acroteriobatus) annuulatus by several earlier authors.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E724A0CACA2BFBB6B8BC.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name andysabini is in honor of Andy Sabin for his gracious support of the Lost Sharks project at the Pacific Shark Research Center.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C749E736A0E4CBA7FA3FBE1A.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: Rhinobatus (Syrrhina) annulatus Smith in Müller & Henle, 1841 by subsequent designation	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	description	http: // zoobank. org / 8 C 6 C 09 A 5 - 4110 - 4 ADF-A 879 - 024 A 31 EC 8 E 3 A	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	vernacular_names	(Socotra blue-spotted guitarfish)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	description	(Figs. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, Table 2)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	materials_examined	The holotype and seven paratypes are deposited in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH), and two paratypes are deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Kyiv (Kiev) (HMNH NASU). Holotype ZMH 25553, adult male, 597 mm TL fresh, 597 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, off Socotra Islands, 12 ° 39 ′ N, 53 ° 27 ′ E – 12 ° 36 ′ N, 53 ° 20 ′ 2 ″ E, 41 – 43 m depth, RV Vityaz, cruise 17, station 2567, 30 m bottom trawl, trawl # 7, on the bottom from 8: 30 to 9: 27 p. m., 28 October 1988, collected by Matthias F. W. Stehmann. Paratypes (9) ZMH 25554, adultmale, 564 mm TL fresh, 562 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; ZMH 25555, adult male, 546 mm TL fresh, 547 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; ZMH 25556, very early subadult male, 378 mm TL fresh, 376 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; ZMH 25557, adultfemale, 602 mm TL fresh, 603 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; ZMH 25558, adultfemale, 594 mm TL fresh, 591 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; ZMH 25559, adult male, 622 mm TL fresh, 613 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, off Socotra Islands, 12 ° 04 ′ 48 ″ N, 53 ° 12 ′ 36 ″ E – 12 ° 09 ′ 12 ″ N, 53 ° 10 ′ 6 ″ E, 36 – 40 m depth, RV Vityaz, cruise 17, station 2829, 29 m shrimp trawl, trawl # 100, onthe bottom from 10: 23 to 11: 30 p. m., 15 January 1989, collected by Matthias F. W. Stehmann; ZMH 25560, juvenile male, 208 mm TL fresh, 201.4 mm TL 70 % ethanol preserved, data the same as paratype ZMH 25559; HMNH NASU 103836, adult male, 567 mm TL fresh, 568 mm TL 4 % formaldehyde preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553; HMNH NASU 103838, female, caudal-tip missing, 523 mm TL fresh, 518 mm TL 4 % formaldehyde preserved, data the same as holotype ZMH 25553.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Asmall Acroteriobatus species distinguished bythe following combination of characters: dorsal surface smooth, without prominent thorns or tubercles, except for slightly enlarged granular denticles partially around orbital rims and rather regularly distributed along midline from nape to or to somewhat anterior to first dorsal-fin origin; absent between dorsal fins and upper caudal fin. Snout semi-translucent with a few, somewhat elongated bluish-gray spots only giving it a very reduced stripe-nosed appearance, patterning with small bluish-gray circular spots generally sparse and confined to symmetrical patterns on snout tip, posterior pectoral-fin margins, a pair of tiny spots on midbody behind occipital joint, and few spots on posterior pelvic-fin margins; indistinct brown spots on the body and dorsal and caudal fins; ventral surface white except for a blackish blotch and two tiny black spots on ventral snout tip in smallest juvenile paratype. Nasal lamellae 43 – 48; upper jaw tooth row count ~ 64 – 78; 181 – 186 post-synarcual centra; 194 – 200 total vertebral segments; 63 – 67 total pectoral skeleton radials.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	description	Description of the holotype Values of the seven ZMH paratypes in parentheses; more complex differences are described separately. Where relevant, ratios are based on horizontal measurements unless otherwise stated. Detailed morphometric measurements and meristics of the holotype and seven ZMH paratypes are given in Table 2. External morphology (Figs. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27) Disc wedge-shaped, narrowly angular anteriorly, snout angle before eyes moderately acute, 72 ° (71 – 77 °); anterior margin straight, outer pectoral margin broadly rounded, posterior margin convex, rear tip broadly rounded; disc length 1.3 (1.25 – 1.32) times its width. Pelvic fins elongate, short-based, base length 1.0 (0.81 – 1.47) times inner margin length; pelvic-fin total length 1.86 (1.56 – 2.18) times base length, 2.93 (2.52 – 3.34) times width; anteriormargin straight, becoming weakly convex towards broadly rounded apex, posterior margin weakly convex, free rear tip narrowly rounded. Tail elongate, slightly constricted in anterior part between pelvic-fin origin and about level pelvic-fin free rear tip, broadest somewhat anterior to first dorsal-fin origin, tapering posteriorly; very strongly depressed dorsoventrally, in cross section nearly flat below, more rounded above; tail length from anterior cloaca 1.61 (1.29 – 1.69) times precloacal length, 1.62 (1.25 – 1.69) timesdisc length, and 6.34 (5.41 – 6.82) times body width at pelvic-fin insertions; body width 2.29 (2.09 – 2.46) times depth at pelvic-fin insertions, 2.63 (2.57 – 2.91) at first dorsal-fin origin, 2.18 (2.08 – 2.27) at second dorsal-fin origin. Dermal fold lateral along tail, originating about level pelvic-fin freerear tip and reaching ontobase of caudalfin just behind ventral origin of caudal fin; fold well developed, maximum width at interdorsal space more than half width of posterior nasal flap and more than length of longest spiracular fold (Figs. 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18). Head relatively short, direct ventral length 24.4 (23.6 – 25.3 except for 29.7 in smallest juvenile paratype) % TL, dorsal length 17.8 (17.2 – 22.8) % TL; snout rather short, bluntly pointed, preoral length 2.94 (2.63 – 3.02) times mouth width, 6.9 (5.46 – 6.75) times internarial distance, 1.32 (1.26 – 1.38) times dorsal caudal-fin margin, 4.66 (3.37 – 4.5) times distance from nostril to margin of disc; direct preorbital snout length 2.78 (2.59 – 2.72) times interspiracular distance, 3.76 (3.4 – 3.73) times orbit diameter, 4.32 (3.83 – 4.23) times skeletal interorbital space; interorbital space weakly concave, rather narrow; eyes moderately large, slightly elevated, but not protruding, orbit diameter 1.8 (1.68 – 2.26) times spiracle length, 1.15 (1.03 – 1.23) times skeletal interorbital space. Spiracles relatively large, narrowly bean-shaped; two prominent and strongly compressed folds on upper posterior margin, length of inner spiracular fold 0.73 (0.59 – 0.75) times that of outer fold; distance between bases of folds 0.85 (0.95 – 1.83) times length of shortest fold (Figs. 19 and 20). Nostril moderately large, oblique, all nasal flaps well developed; anterior aperture subcircular; nostril length 3.35 (2.67 – 2.98) times anterior aperture width, 1.16 (0.91 – 1.15) times anterior nasal-flap base length, 1.01 (0.6 – 0.93) times distance from nostril to edge of disc, 1.49 (0.98 – 1.39) times internarial distance. Anterior nasal-flap base greatly extended, penetrating horizontally into internarial space, mesial edges barely separated (by about width of posterior nasal flap); innermost extension of flap not narrow; flap base length 1.87 (1.82 – 2.19) times its width at process, 2.9 (2.47 – 3.21) times anterior aperture width; minimum distance between mesial insertions of flaps 8.24 (7.39 – 10.4) in greatest distance across nostrils anteriorly, 2.29 (2.56 – 3.17) in minimum internarial distance; process of flap about twice as long as wide, narrowing distally to blunt pointed tip, and adjoining with posterolateral nasal flap and anterior aperture posterior margin. Posterolateral nasal flap well developed, lobe-like, broadest medially, length 3.9 (2.3 – 4.29) times its width; originating just behind lateral extremity of anterior nasal aperture, extending posteromesially as a free fold almost to the level of insertion of posterior nasal flap. Posterior nasal flap well developed, lobe-like, base length 2.16 (1.49 – 2.46) times its width, its inner edge nearly reaching innermost margin of nostril; width 0.88 (0.65 – 1.11) times anterior aperture width, 1.26 (0.88 – 1.48) times posterolateral nasal-flap width (Figs. 21 and 22). Mouth width 1.57 (1.56 – 1.95) times nostril length, 7.11 (6.51 – 7.53) in precloacal length; positioned beneath posterior margin of orbit. Upper jaw slightly convex, upper lip broadly arched; lower lip not pronounced, not separated from oral groove by ridges of strongly corrugated skin; corners of mouth with several strong, short lateral grooves. Teeth arranged in quincunx, small, close-set, rhombic, broad-based with short, bluntly rounded cusp; upper and lower teeth similar in shape and size; ~ 72 (~ 64 – 78) tooth rows in upper and ~ 70 (~ 64 – 76) in lower jaws. Gill openings strongly wavy; length of third gill slit 2.68 (2.08 – 2.73) in nostril length, 6.00 (5.92 – 6.45) in distance between fifth gill slits; distance betweenfirst gill slits 1.42 (1.39 – 1.48) timesdistance between fifth gill slits; distance between fifth gill slits 3.34 (2.79 – 3.53) times internarial distance, 1.43 (1.4 – 1.6) times mouth width, 0.32 (0.31 – 0.36) of ventral head length (Fig. 22). Dorsal fins erect, relatively tall, dissimilar in size and shape; first dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving rearwards towards pointed (pointed to rounded) apex; posterior margin weakly convex near tip, then becoming weakly concave to nearly straight; second dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving towards pointed apex; posterior margin nearly straight; free rear tips rounded of both dorsal fins, almost forming right angle, not produced; first dorsal fin height subequal to second, length of first 1.0 (0.91 – 1.15) times height, its base length 2.76 (1.61 – 2.86) times inner margin length; second dorsal-fin length 1.12 (0.96 – 1.19) times its height, base length 3.05 (2.01 – 3.5) times inner margin length (Fig. 23 a, b). First dorsal-fin origin well posterior to pelvic-fin free rear tips, interspace 1.29 (1.2 – 1.3) times interdorsal distance; interdorsal space relatively short, 2.05 (1.61 – 2.17) times second dorsal-fin height, 2.54 (2.3 – 2.82) times base of first dorsal fin, 1.34 (1.08 – 1.44) times tail width at origin of first dorsal fin, 1.85 (1.71 – 2.05) times interspace between second dorsal-fin insertion and upper origin of caudal fin. Caudal fin relatively small; dorsal caudal margin weakly convex, length 1.5 (1.45 – 1.73) times preventral margin length; ventral lobe broadly rounded; posterior margin weakly concave; fin tip acutely pointed (Fig. 23 c). Dermal denticles mostly minute, close-set, covering entire body and fins; surfaces mostly smooth to the touch, except for 4 (4 – 5) slightly enlarged granular denticles on each anterior orbital rim, 1 (1 – 2) on each inner posterior rim, and 2 (1 – 2) on the inner edge of each spiracle (Figs. 20 and 24 a – d); 53 (41 – ~ 60) enlarged, coarse denticles rather regularly distributed along midline from nape to first dorsal-fin origin (to origin also in most paratypes but to ~ 60 mm before origin in adult male paratype ZMH 25554 and to ~ 10 mm before origin in juvenile male paratype ZMH 25560; about 10 posteriormost denticles only weakly pronounced in both female ZMH paratypes) (Figs. 24 e, i and 25); enlarged denticles absent along midline between dorsal fins and upper caudal origin, on snout tip, anterior and lateral margins of disc, pelvic fins, and bases of dorsal fins; nasal flaps and lamellae naked. Crowns of denticles mostly oval, except largest denticles with slightly erect, bluntly acute cusp, base stellate (Fig. 24 a – e). Crowns of denticles in juvenile paratype ZMH 25560 with acutely pointed cusp and a minute cusplet on each side of the cusp (Fig. 24 f – i). Furthermore, the denticles of this juvenile paratype are proportionally larger compared to larger specimens and those in midline are set much denser (Fig. 24 i vs. Fig. 24 e and Fig. 25 b vs. Fig. 25 a). With respect to the minute dermal denticles covering entire body and fins, those anterior to orbit are tricuspidate in this juvenile paratype with three well-developed, acutely pointed cusps (Fig. 24 f). Thorns absent in holotype and paratypes. Prebranchial sensory pore patch distinct, extending to about the level of third gill slit. Post-scapular sensory canal distinct, weakly undulated anteriorly, terminating near pectoral-fin insertions; sensory pores minute, canal not forming a shallow groove (Fig. 15). Rostral cartilage broad, its shaft just slightly increasing in width posteriorly from rostral node; rostral node rounded at apex, not angular, broadly expanded, relatively short, axis at maximum node width 31.2 (30.7 – 34.0) % of length of rostral cartilage from tip; anterior fontanelle relatively broad posteriorly, tapering gradually towards rostral node, dorsolateral edges of cartilage surrounding fontanelle (rostral ridges on surface of snout) well separatedposteriorly, notconstricting medially; rostral cartilage 60.5 (57.4 – 61.3) % of neurocranium length, ventral edges of rostral cartilage united; nasal capsules large, with their transverse axes directed anterolaterally; width of cranium across nasal capsules 1.25 (1.15 – 1.35) times nasobasal length (base of rostrum to occipital condyles); width of nasal capsule 1.48 (1.39 – 1.68) times its length; basal plate relatively broad, its minimum width 4.11 (3.41 – 4.2) times in nasobasal length; cranial roof with small, oval-shaped fenestra, with its anterior edge located behind precerebral cavity by a distance ~ 1.5 times its length; anterior cartilage triangular, narrow, posteriorly wedge-shaped, without an anterior lobe extending past nasal capsules; preorbital processes well developed; postorbital processes moderately large, not bifurcate; greatest width across processes 2.02 (1.66 – 2.11) times in nasobasal length (Fig. 26). Nasallamellae 47 left, 48 right (43 – 48) (left / right orientation based on dorsal view). Pectoral skeleton with 31 left, 30 right (29 – 32) propterygial, 8 (8 – 10) mesopterygial, 1 left, 2 right (1 – 2) neopterygial, 25 (23 – 25) metapterygial, amounting to 65 (63 – 67) total radials. Total pelvic-fin radials 28 (27 – 31). Total vertebral segment (synarcual and free) counts 194 (195 – 200); post-synarcual centra 181 (181 – 186); precaudal centra (excluding synarcual centra) 146 (145 – 148); synarcual segments 13 (12 – 14); monospondylous precaudal centra 39 (38 – 40); diplosondylous precaudal centra 107 (105 – 109); diplosondylous caudal centra 35 (36 – 39). Monospondylous to diplosondylous centra transition posterior to pelvic girdle. Coloration Prior to preservation: dorsal surface light to medium brown with a greenish tinge; the patterning with small bluish-gray circular spots is sparse, and such spots are confined to symmetrical patterns on the snout tip, posterior pectoral-fin margins, a pair of tiny spots on midbody behind occipital joint, and few spots on posterior pelvic-fin margins. The spots have rather inconspicuous and very thin brownish margins. Indistinct small (on anterior disc) to larger (on posterior disc and tail) dark brown spots can be found in varying degrees of conspicuousness, sometimes very indistinct, but always arranged in symmetrical patterns, extending also onto dorsal and caudal fins (Figs. 16 and 17). Snout semi-translucent with a few, somewhat elongated bluish-gray spots only giving it a very reduced stripe-nosedappearance (Figs. 16 and 17). Outer edges of pelvic-fin (and partially posterior pectoral-fin) margins, as well as lateral tail folds conspicuously white (Figs. 16 and 17). Ventral surface uniformly white. After preservation: bluish-gray spots mostly not visible anymore, at most few detectable on posterior pectoral-fin margins; brownish spots more or less faded, some specimens, including one of the females with fresh coloration described above, show almost no dark spots anymore. Outer edges of pelvic-fin (and partially posterior pectoral-fin) margins, as well as lateral tail folds creamy instead of white as typical for preserved specimens (Fig. 14). Ventral surface uniformly creamy as well (Fig. 14); smallest juvenile paratype ZMH 25560 with prominent blackish blotch on underside of snout tip plus two tiny black spots on outer edges of anterior snout about half way from snout tip to nostrils (Fig. 27). Size The new species is described from 10 specimens (seven males and three females), ranging in size from 208 to 622 mm TL (fresh) and from 201 to 613 mm TL (preserved). Adult males range from 546 to 622 mm TL (fresh), a 378 mm TL male is a very early subadult specimen, and a 208 mm TL male is juvenile. Accordingly, males of the new species apparently start to mature at around 378 mm TL. The two female paratypes of 594 mm and 602 mm TL are presumed to be adult, considering that they are distinctly larger than the smallest adult male paratypes. Based on all known specimens, the new species is assumed to be a small Acroteriobatus species reaching only about 622 mm TL.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	distribution	Distribution Acroteriobatus stehmanni sp. nov. is presently only known from the coastal waters surrounding the Socotra Islands and may be endemic to this region (Fig. 13). It is known from 36 to 43 m depth.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C742E73CA372CABDFC25B861.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species is named in honorof Dr. Matthias F. W. Stehmann for his invaluable contributions to chondrichthyan taxonomy, particularly with respect to skates. He taught SW and BS chondrichthyan taxonomy, collected all type specimens of the new species, and kindly provided fresh photographs of two of them.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	vernacular_names	(Blue-spotted guitarfish)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	description	(Figs 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37, Table 3)	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	materials_examined	Syntypes BMNH 1905.6.8.12, subadult male, 416 mm TL, and BMNH 1920.7.23.1, juvenile male, 248 mm TL, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, southwestern Indian Ocean. Non-types South Africa: SAIAB 189087, 223 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile male, Tugela Bank, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, 29 ° 7.5 ′ S, 31 ° 45 ′ E, 15 March 2009; SAIAB 34588, 690 mm TL (after preservation), gravid female, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23 October 1982; SAIAB 11142 (formerly ORI B 90), 960 mm TL (after preservation), adult female, Tugela Bank, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; SAIAB 11143 (formerly ORI B 112), 650 mm TL (after preservation), adult female, Tugela Bank, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; SAIAB 11159 (formerly ORI B 799), 295 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile female, Tugela Bank, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Mozambique: SAIAB 40000, 430 mm TL (after preservation), subadult male, Maputo Bay, Mozambique, 25.96666717 ° S, 32.5833320618 ° E, 29 May 1992; SAIAB 55691, 445 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile female, Moebase fishing village, Mozambique, 17.04999923 ° S, 39.7333335876 ° E, 12 July 1997; SAIAB 12829, 515 mm TL (after preservation), juvenile female, Inhaca Island, Mozambique, 26.01666641 ° S, 32.96666717 ° E, October 1953. Tanzania: SAIAB 12162, 629 mm TL (after preservation), female, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, 6.166666984 ° S, 39.1833343506 ° E.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis A medium-sized Acroteriobatus species distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal surface smooth, without prominent thorns or tubercles, except for slightly enlarged granular denticles partially around orbital rims and rather regularly distributed along midline from nape to near first dorsal-fin origin; absent between dorsal fins and upper caudal fin. Snout semi-translucent with elongated bluish spots giving stripe-nosed appearance, numerous small bluish spots covering snout, pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudalfins but not central disc on a sandy brown background with darker brown spots of varying sizes covering the disc, tail, fin bases, and fins, sometimes giving the caudal peduncle a striped appearance; outer edges of pectoral- and pelvic-fin margins blue, lateral tail folds white or striped blue and brown; ventral surface white. Nasal lamellae 37 – 41; upper jaw tooth row count ~ 60 – 75; 187 – 192 post-synarcual centra; 200 – 205 total vertebral segments; 63 – 70 total pectoral skeleton radials.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	description	Description The description is based on the two syntypes (BMNH 1905.6.8.12 and BMNH 1920.7.23.1), as well as nine nontype specimens. Where relevant, ratios are based on horizontal measurements unless otherwise stated. Detailed morphometric measurements and meristics are given in Table 3. External morphology (Figs. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36) Disc wedge-shaped, narrowly angular anteriorly, snout angle before eyes moderately acute, 68.0 – 80.5 °; anterior margin straight, outer pectoral margin broadly rounded, posterior margin convex, rear tip broadly rounded; disc length 1.15 – 1.24 times its width. Pelvic fins elongate, short-based, base length 0.89 – 2.04 times inner margin length; pelvic-fin total length 1.44 – 2.12 times base length, 2.19 – 3.06 times width; anterior margin straight, becoming weakly convex towards broadly rounded apex, posterior margin weakly convex, free rear tip narrowly rounded. Tail elongate, slightly constricted in anterior part between pelvic-fin origin and about level pelvic-fin free rear tip, broadest somewhat anterior to first dorsal-fin origin, tapering posteriorly; very strongly depressed dorsoventrally, in cross section nearly flat below, more rounded above; tail length from anterior cloaca 1.35 – 1.62 times precloacal length, 1.31 – 1.66 timesdisc length, and 5.20 – 6.03 times body width at pelvic-fin insertions; body width 2.17 – 2.67 times depth at pelvic-fin insertions, 2.39 – 3.26 at first dorsal-fin origin, 1.74 – 2.44 at second dorsal-fin origin. Dermal fold lateral along tail, originating about level pelvicfin free rear tip and reaching onto base of caudal fin just behind ventral origin of caudal fin; fold well developed, maximum width at interdorsal space more than half width of posterior nasal flap and more than length of longest spiracular fold (Figs. 28, 29, 30, and 31). Head moderately elongate, ventral length 22.9 – 28.3 % TL, dorsal length 24.0 – 29.2 % TL; snout rather short, bluntly pointed, preoral length 2.22 – 2.76 times mouth width, 4.28 – 5.08 times internarial distance, 1.09 – 1.54 times dorsal caudalfin margin, 2.59 – 3.46 times distance from nostril to margin of disc; direct preorbital snout length 2.17 – 2.6 times interspiracular distance, 3.3 – 5.36 times orbit diameter, 2.65 – 3.67 times skeletal interorbital space; interorbital space weakly concave, rather narrow; eyes moderately large, slightly elevated, but not protruding, orbit diameter 1.07 – 2.0 times spiracle length, 0.58 – 1.11 times skeletal interorbital space. Spiracles relatively large, narrowly bean-shaped; two prominent and strongly compressed folds on upper posterior margin, length of inner spiracular fold 0.5 – 0.75 times that of outer fold; distance between bases of folds 0.25 – 1.0 times length of shortest fold (Figs. 32 and 33). Nostril moderately large, oblique, all nasal flaps well developed; anterior aperture subcircular; nostril length 1.7 – 3.0 times anterior aperture width, 0.75 – 1.13 times anterior nasalflap base length, 0.5 – 0.94 times distance from nostril to edge of disc, 0.81 – 1.31 times internarial distance. Anterior nasalflap base greatly extended, penetrating horizontally into internarial space, mesial edges barely separated (by about width of posterior nasal flap); innermost extension of flap not narrow; flap base length 1.88 – 2.86 times its width at process, 1.88 – 3.33 times anterior aperture width; minimum distance between mesial insertions of flaps 6.75 – 26.5 in greatest distance across nostrils anteriorly, 2.63 – 9.5 in minimum internarial distance; process of flap about twice as long as wide, narrowing distally to blunt pointed tip, and adjoining with posterolateral nasal flap and anterior aperture posterior margin. Posterolateral nasal flap well developed, lobe-like, broadest medially, length 2.0 – 5.5 times its width; originating just behind lateral extremityof anterior nasal aperture, extending posteromesially as a free fold almost to the level of insertion of posterior nasal flap. Posterior nasal flap well developed, lobe-like, base length 1.6 – 2.5 times its width, its inner edge nearly reaching innermost margin of nostril; width 0.5 – 1.0 times anterior aperture width, 0.92 – 2.0 times posterolateral nasal-flap width (Figs. 34 and 35). Mouth width 1.59 – 2.24 times nostril length, 5.94 – 7.25 in precloacal length; positioned beneath posterior margin of orbit. Upper jaw slightly convex, upper lip broadly arched; lower lip not pronounced, not separated from oral groove by ridges of strongly corrugated skin; corners of mouth with several strong, short lateral grooves. Teeth arranged in quincunx, small, close-set, rhombic, broad-based with short, bluntly rounded cusp; upper and lower teeth similar in shape and size; upper and lower jaws each with ~ 60 – 75 tooth rows. Gill openings strongly wavy; length of third gill slit 1.63 – 3.4 in nostril length, 4.33 – 7.0 in distance between fifth gill slits; distance between first gill slits 1.31 – 1.46 times distance between fifth gill slits; distance between fifth gill slits 2.54 – 3.24 times internarial distance, 1.3 – 1.62 times mouth width, 0.32 – 0.38 of ventral head length (Fig. 35). Dorsal fins erect, relatively tall, dissimilar in size and shape; first dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving rearwards towards rounded apex; posterior margin weakly convex near tip, then becoming weakly concave to nearly straight; second dorsal-fin anterior margin weakly convex, curving towards pointed or slightly rounded apex; posterior margin nearly straight; free rear tips rounded of both dorsal fins, almost forming right angle, not produced; first dorsal fin height subequal to second, length of first 0.79 – 1.15 times height, its base length 1.67 – 2.8 times inner margin length; second dorsal-fin length 0.84 – 1.21 times its height, base length 1.5 – 3.3 times inner margin length (Fig. 36 a, b). First dorsal-fin origin well posterior to pelvic-fin free rear tips, interspace 1.04 – 1.99 times interdorsal distance; interdorsal space relatively short, 1.32 – 2.19 times second dorsal-fin height, 2.13 – 3.17 times base of first dorsal fin, 0.98 – 1.33 times tail width at origin of first dorsal fin, 1.29 – 1.9 times interspace between second dorsal-fin insertion and upper origin of caudal fin. Caudal fin relatively small; dorsal caudal margin weakly convex, length 1.03 – 1.99 times preventral margin length; ventral lobe broadly rounded; posterior margin weakly concave; fin tip acutely pointed (Fig. 36 c). Dermal denticles mostly minute, close-set, covering entire body and fins; surfaces mostly smooth to the touch, except for ~ 7 slightly enlarged granular denticles on each orbital rim and ~ 3 – 4 on the inner edge of spiracle; up to ~ 50 enlarged, coarse denticles rather regularly distributed along midline from nape to near first dorsal-fin origin, absent along midline between dorsal fins and upper caudal origin; enlarged denticles absent on snout tip, anterior and lateral margins of disc, pelvic fins, and bases of dorsal fins; nasal flaps and lamellae naked. Crowns of denticles mostly oval, except largest denticles with slightly erect, bluntly acute cusp, base stellate. Juveniles have proportionally larger denticles than larger specimens and the crowns of the denticles have acutely pointed cusps. The minute dermal denticles covering entire body and fins are also proportionally in juveniles, giving the skin a velvet touch. Thorns always absent. Prebranchial sensory pore patch distinct, extending to about the level of third gill slit. Postscapular sensory canal rather indistinct, strongly undulated anteriorly, terminating near pectoral-fin insertions; sensory pores minute, canal not forming a shallow groove (Fig. 29). Rostral cartilage broad, its shaft just slightly increasing in width posteriorly from rostral node; rostral node rounded at apex, not angular, broadly expanded, relatively short, axis at maximum node width 34.4 – 41.2 % of length of rostral cartilage from tip; anterior fontanelle relatively broad posteriorly, tapering gradually towards rostral node, dorsolateral edges of cartilage surrounding fontanelle (rostral ridges on surface of snout) well separated posteriorly, not constricting medially; rostral cartilage 54.2 – 58.1 % of neurocranium length, ventral edges of rostral cartilage united; nasal capsules large, with their transverse axes directed anterolaterally; width of cranium across nasal capsules 1.15 – 1.27 times nasobasal length (base of rostrum to occipital condyles); width of nasal capsule 1.3 – 1.45 times its length; basal plate relatively broad, its minimum width 3.35 – 3.61 times in nasobasal length; cranial roof with small, oval-shaped fenestra, with its anterior edge located behind precerebral cavity by a distance ~ 1.5 times its length; anterior cartilage triangular, narrow, posteriorly wedgeshaped, without an anterior lobe extending past nasal capsules; preorbital processes well developed; postorbital processes moderately large, not bifurcate; greatest width across processes 1.78 – 1.97 times in nasobasal length (Fig. 37). Nasal lamellae 37 – 41. Skeletal meristics based on the two syntypes and non-type specimens SAIAB 189087, SAIAB 34588, and SAIAB 55691: pectoral skeleton with 29 – 32 propterygial, 8 – 9 mesopterygial, 1 – 2 neopterygial, 22 – 27 metapterygial, amounting to 63 – 70 total radials. Total pelvic-fin radials 25 – 30. Total vertebral segment (synarcual and free) counts 200 – 205; post-synarcual centra 187 – 192; precaudal centra (excluding synarcual centra) 148 – 151; synarcual segments 13 – 15; monospondylous precaudal centra 39 – 41; diplosondylous precaudal centra 109 – 110; diplosondylous caudal centra 37 – 42. Monospondylous to diplosondylous centra transition posterior to pelvic girdle. Coloration Prior to preservation: dorsal surface sandy brown with a pronounced and colorful, organized pattern of numerous small and large bluish circular spots, with a darker ring encircling a lighter bluish center, and small and large brownish spots (Fig. 31); the bluish spots cover the snout, pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudal fins but not the central disc; the brownish spots cover the disc, tail, fin bases, and fins, sometimes giving the caudal peduncle a striped appearance (Fig. 31); snout semi-translucent with elongated bluish spots giving it a stripe-nosed appearance (Fig. 31). Outer edges of pectoral-and pelvic-fin margins blue, lateral tail folds white or striped blue and brown (Fig. 31). Ventral surface white. After preservation: dorsal surface similar but bluish spots less pronounced and brownish spots mostly faded and not evident (Figs. 28 and 30). Ventral surface also similar but creamy rather than white as typical for preserved specimens (Fig. 29). Size The 11 examined specimens ranged in size from 223 to 960 mm TL. Acroteriobatus leucospilus has been reported to reach 1200 mm TL (Compagno et al. 1989; Séret et al. 2016; Weigmann 2016), but no voucher specimens of such size are known and the maximum size might possibly be based on the larger A. andysabini sp. nov. instead. The largest verified specimen is the adult female of 960 mm TL examined in the present study. The 416 mm TL male syntype BMNH 1905.6.8.12 and the 430 mm TL non-type male SAIAB 40000 are both subadult, and the 690 mm TL non-type female SAIAB 34588 is gravid. Following Wallace (1967), a male of 402 mm TL was juvenile, oneof 415 mm TL was subadult, and specimens of more than 565 mm TL were mature, with gravid females ranging from 564 to 921 mm TL. Considering the rather small maturing size of about 415 – 565 mm TL, a maximum size above 1000 mm TL appears unlikely. Wallace (1967) indicates a size of 93 mm TL and a weight of 1 / 4 lb for the smallest embryo seen and 250 mm TL for the smallest juvenile on record (allegedly also weighing 1 / 4 lb). Based on the maximum verified size of 960 mm TL, A. leucospilus is a medium-sized species of the genus.	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
03C47D45C759E735A0CACD60FE1AB836.taxon	distribution	Distribution Acroteriobatus leucospilus so far has been recorded from off the central Transkei coast (Eastern Cape Province) to the northern KwaZulu-Natal Province (South Africa) and Mozambique. Ebert et al. (2021), based on the examined material, extended its range to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Fig. 13). It is known from 0 to 100 m depth (Compagno et al. 1989; Séret et al. 2016; Weigmann 2016) but seems to be most abundant in depths of around 20 fathoms or 37 m (Wallace 1967).	en	Weigmann, Simon, Ebert, David A., Séret, Bernard (2021): Resolution of the Acroteriobatus leucospilus species complex, with a redescription of A. leucospilus (Norman, 1926) and descriptions of two new western Indian Ocean species of Acroteriobatus (Rhinopristiformes, Rhinobatidae). Marine Biodiversity 51: 1-30, DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01208-6
