Egg cases of the genus Apristurus (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae): Phylogenetic and ecological implications

Brooke E. Flammang, David A. Ebert, Gregor M. Cailliet

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

The genus Apristurus has been divided formerly into three species subgroups based on morphological and molecular phylogenies. Previous studies have agreed on the separation into distinct species groups, the largest two of which have been described as the brunneus and spongiceps groups. An examination of the egg cases produced by these oviparous catsharks corroborates the distinction in species groups: egg cases of the brunneus group have long fibrous and curly tendrils at either end, whereas egg cases of the spongiceps group lack tendrils. The egg cases of A. kampae, A. manis, A. spongiceps and Apristurus sp. D are described for the first time, and the egg cases of A. brunneus and A. riveri are re-described to include comparable morphological characteristics. The ecological implications of egg case morphology on oviposition and ventilation are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)308-317
Number of pages10
JournalZoology
Volume110
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 4 2007
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Animal Science and Zoology

Keywords

  • Catsharks
  • Morphology
  • Oviposition
  • Passive ventilation
  • Tendril

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