Torpedo adenensis, a New Species of Electric Ray from the Gulf of Aden, with Comments on Nominal Species of Torpedo from the Western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Adjacent Areas (Chondrichthyes: Torpediniformes: Torpedinidae)

Abstract

Abstract A new species of electric ray of the genus Torpedo is described from the eastern Gulf of Aden, northwestern Indian Ocean. Torpedo adenensis, n. sp., is placed in the subgenus Torpedo due to the presence of small, knoblike papillae around its spiracles. It is distinguished from all other congeners by its unique dorsal coloration, consisting of a uniform reddish-, rusty-, or orange-brown without any distinctive spots, blotches, or reticulations. A unique combination of characters further distinguishes T. adenensis, including the proximity of the spiracles and eyes, the distance between the second dorsal and caudal fin, which is greater than the distance between the first and second dorsal fins, and the presence of an integumental flap in the clasper glans region. Torpedo adenensis is sexually mature when between 280 and 395 mm in total length, is known from specimens of both sexes, including adults and subadults, and is the only species of Torpedo unequivocally reported from the Gulf of Aden to dat...