Morphological deformities and atypical colour pattern in thornback ray, Raja clavata (Elasmobranchii: Rajiformes: Rajidae), from Izmir (Turkey, Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)

Abstract

Two specimens of the thornback ray, Raja clavata Linnaeus, 1758, from Turkish waters, exhibiting deformities of disc and tail are described in the present paper. One of these specimens had a colour pattern similar to type 7, vermiculated, it could constitute a transitional step between Raja clavata and its close relative species Raja maderensis Lowe, 1838.