Morphological abnormality in a longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae)

Abstract

A Longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) embryo with a major asymmetrical morphological abnormality to its pectoral fin was obtained from commercial shrimp fisher’s bycatch, off the coast of the Amazon River Mouth in northern Brazil. The specimen and the deformity, which would presumably have impeded its long-term survival, are described and documented in detail. We herein provide the first report of an abnormal individual of this species for the Brazilian coast.