Atelomycterus Garman

Ian P. Jacobsen & Mike B. Bennett, 2007, Description of a new species of catshark, Atelomycterus marnkalha n. sp. (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from north-east Australia., Zootaxa 1520, pp. 19-36 : 35

[[ Atelomycterus Garman ]]

Key to the species of Atelomycterus .

1. Dorsal fins not angled rearwards, posterior margins sloping posteroventrally from fin apices, Dark brown blotches and large marking sparse, colour pattern dominated by brownish-grey saddles and bands on pale background .................................................................................................................................................. 2

- Dorsal fins angled rearwards, posterior margins vertical or sloping anteroventrally from fin apices. Dark brown spots and markings dominating colour pattern ................................................................................. 3

2. Dark brown spots and markings sparse, white spots absent or fewer in number than brown spots. Trunk denticles with prominent lateral ridges, anal caudle-fin space greater than ten percent of total length ........ ............................................................................................ Atelomycterus fasciatus (north-west Australia).

- Dark brown spots forming irregular lines around saddle-mark margins and centre of inter-saddle spaces, white spots more numerous than brown, present on lateral surfaces post third-gill, on dorsal fins and caudal fin. Lateral trunk denticles without lateral ridges, anal caudle-fin space less than ten percent of total length ............................................................................... Atelomycterus marnkalha (north-east Australia).

3. Saddle markings obsolete, numerous light grey and white spots on head, body and fins; strongly defined white stripe through gill slits. Claspers elongate and narrow, with glans extending less than half length of clasper outer margin .......................................................... Atelomycterus marmoratus (Indo-West Pacific).

- Colour pattern of brownish grey saddles, very few or no pale spots on head, body or fins. Claspers shorter and less elongate, sometimes stout, with glans extending more than half length of clasper outer margin ..... 4

4. Dorsal fins strongly falcate. About 6 well-defined saddle marking between first dorsal-fin origin and posterior of eye. Claspers moderately elongate, their outer margin length less than 5 times width at base ....... ................................................................................................ Atelomycterus macleayi (northern Australia)

- Dorsal fins weakly falcate. Four well-defined saddle markings between first dorsal-fin origin and posterior of eye. Claspers moderately elongate, their outer margin length more than 5 times width of base .............................................................................................................. Atelomycterus baliensis (Indonesia)