Atelomycterus fasciatus n.sp., a new catshark (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from tropical Australia

Abstract

A new atelomycterine catshark (Scyliorhinidae: Atelomycterinae), Atelomycterus fasciatus n.sp., is described from the continental shelf of northern Australia (North West Shelf, Arafura Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait). It differs from Atelomycterus marmoratus (Bennett, 1830) and A. macleayi Whitley, 1939 in its longer snout, smaller, posteroventrally sloping dorsal fins, smaller anal fin, fewer small dark brown spots (sometimes absent), dark bands that occasionally encircle the tail, lower vertebral counts, and smaller size.