Maculabatis cf. ambigua Last, Bogorodsky, & Alpermann, 2016 j

Sharpnose Stingray

Maculabatis ambigua Last, Bogorodsky, & Alpermann, 2016 j: 67, figs. 1–6. Holotype: SMF 35803. Type locality: Red Sea off Jizan, Saudi Arabia, 16°51'N, 42°25'E.

Local synonymy: Himantura gerrardi: Compagno, 1986: 139, fig. 30.9; Compagno et al., 1989: 106, pl.; Compagno, 1999: 117; Ebert & van Hees, 2015: 147.

South Africa voucher material: None.

South African distribution: New record, East London (EC) to northern KZN.

Remarks: This species was previously referred to as Himantura gerrardi, but it should be assigned to the genus Maculabatis . It is similar to M. ambigua, a species known presently from the Red Sea to Zanzibar, Tanzania, but may be distinct. It is currently under investigation. The common name is Baraka’s Stingray, but in South Africa it is known as the Sharpnose Stingray.

Conservation status: NE (2019).