A taxonomic revision of the catshark genus Holohalaelurus Fowler 1934 (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae), with descriptions of two new species

Abstract

This paper examines the alpha level taxonomy of the genus Holohalaelurus Fowler 1934 (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae), which is endemic to southern and east Africa. A novel species identification key is presented for Holohalaelurus, and a comprehensive review of the taxonomy (including type material and synonyms) and distribution of all taxa is presented. Holohalaelurus regani (Gilchrist 1922) is restricted to southern Africa and the taxa that occur in tropical east Africa are discrete taxonomic units, resulting in the resurrection of H. melanostigma Norman 1939, and two new species, which are described here. Holohalaelurus polystigma (Regan 1921) is shown to be a junior synonym of H. punctatus (Gilchrist 1914), the validity of the type series for H. regani is discussed, and neotypes are designated for H. regani and H. punctatus. The genus Holohalaelurus contains the contemporary taxa H. punctatus (Gilchrist 1914), H. regani (Gilchrist 1922), H. melanostigma Norman 1939, H. favus sp. nov., and H. grennian sp. nov.