Diagnosis |
This species is characterized by two derived character states: rostral cartilage continuous with the neurocranium and stout proximally, but very slender and uncalcified distally; and a broad anterior fontanelle, extending forward onto the basal part of rostral cartilage, slightly beyond the leading edge of nasal capsules. Other characters that distinguished this species are the following: the dorsal surface of tail of both sexes with a row of distinct thorns along midline; most thorns are directed anteriorly; middle of dorsal surface of disc with a pair of longitudinally elongated black blotches with undulated contours; three groups of outer buccal ampullae and tubules; three groups of nasal ampullae and tubules; ventral surface with hyoidean ampullae and tubules extending posteriorly past cloaca; rostral shaft is narrow with filamentous cartilage at the base; scapulocoracoid comparatively short and high with dorsoventrally elliptical anterior fenestra and expanded postventral fenestra; external margin of mesopterygium of pectoral fin slightly undulated, not sinuous nor fused with pectoral radials; with clasper component eperon and pent (Ref. 81217). |