species extant member family species described historically represent variations single widespread species heavy bodied fish described unique rays having pairs gill slits growing long rounded pectoral fin disc long triangular flexible snout filled gelatinous substance brownish white lacks dermal denticles benthic nature usually found upper continental slopes depths recorded scattered locations south_africa hawaii species probably uses snout probe food sediment jaws greatly allowing capture buried prey gives live birth litters pups iucn assessed ray concern faces minimal fishing pressure range taxonomy phylogeny known intact female found beach near south_africa described new species placed family article smith generic derived greek referring number gill slits specific honors journalist discovered original specimen following description additional species described basis morphological differences validity brought question comparative studies revealed traits snout shape body proportions tooth number vary greatly age individuals concluded tentatively single species genetic analysis needed determine truly case phylogenetic studies morphological genetic data generally concurred basal member lineage extinct relative lived million years ago description body rounded pectoral fin disc longer wide triangular snout longer adults juveniles making disc length filled clear gelatinous material snout dead specimen shrink significantly exposed air tiny eyes placed far apart ahead larger widely spaced nostrils pair short flaps joined middle form curtain skin mouth wide nearly straight jaw rows small blunt teeth arranged pattern teeth numerous adults pairs small gill slits occur underside disc rays pairs sharks pairs gill slits example genus recorded specimen gill slits left seven right pelvic fins large rounded tail moderately thick measures times long disc spines present dorsal surface base end tail bears long low leaf shaped caudal fin nearly symmetrical skin delicate entirely lacking dermal denticles disc pinkish brown slightly fin margins skin easily leaving white patches underside disc white dark margins pectoral pelvic fins snout translucent tail caudal fin black largest known specimen female long distribution habitat recorded widely scattered locations indian_ocean reported south_africa port elizabeth port alfred southwestern india islands indonesia western_australia pacific_ocean found japan taiwan philippines queensland hawaii dwelling species typically inhabits upper continental slopes depths occasionally ventures shallower water ray observed feeding depth japan found sandy muddy rocky biology ecology long snout flexible vertically horizontally suggesting ray uses probe food sediment underside snout covered developed arranged longitudinal rows capable detecting minute electric fields produced organisms mouth downward farther length head likely allowing ray extract buried prey jaws poorly suggesting feed hard shelled animals record specimen wound shark reproduction viviparous documented litter sizes pups newly born rays measure long males females mature sexually approximately long human interactions little fishing activity occurs depths occupied iucn listed concern waters taiwan caught small numbers catch rate decreased recent years leading concerns locally data lacking
Sixgill stingray