Mitotic stingaree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mitotic stingaree |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Urolophidae
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| Genus: |
Urolophus
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U. mitosis
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| Binomial name | |
| Urolophus mitosis Last & M. F. Gomon, 1987
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The mitotic stingaree (Urolophus mitosis) is a fascinating type of stingray. It is also called the blotched stingaree. This name comes from the light blue spots on its back. These spots look like cells dividing, a process called mitosis.
This stingaree is not very well known. It lives in a small area off the coast of northwestern Australia. You can find it deep in the ocean, about 200 meters (660 feet) down. It lives on the edge of the continental shelf.
The mitotic stingaree can grow up to 29 centimeters (11 inches) long. It has a body shaped like a diamond. Its tail is thin and has a leaf-like shape at the end. The IUCN says this species is of Least Concern. This means it is not currently in danger, as there is little fishing in its home area.
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About the Mitotic Stingaree
The mitotic stingaree was first described in 1987. Two scientists, Peter Last and Martin Gomon, gave it its scientific name. They chose mitosis because of its unique spotted pattern. The word mitosis comes from a Greek word meaning "thread."
The first specimen studied was a female. It was 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) wide. This stingaree was caught by a research ship in 1982. The brown stingaree (U. westraliensis) is a close relative of this species.
Where Mitotic Stingarees Live
The mitotic stingaree has only been found in one small area. This area is north of Port Hedland in Western Australia. It is quite common there.
This ray lives on the ocean floor. It prefers fine sediment at the edge of the continental shelf. It lives in deep water, around 200 meters (660 feet) down.
What the Mitotic Stingaree Looks Like
The body of the mitotic stingaree is shaped like a diamond. It is a bit wider than it is long. The front edges are mostly straight. The outer corners and back edges are rounded.
Its snout forms a wide angle. The tip of the snout sticks out a little past its body. It has large eyes. Behind the eyes are comma-shaped openings called spiracles. There might be a small bump on the back corner of each nostril.
Between its nostrils, there is a flap of skin. This flap looks like a skirt. It has a slightly fringed edge. The mouth is fairly large. It has small, nipple-like bumps on its floor and lower jaw. Its teeth are small and have oval bases. It has five pairs of short gill slits. The pelvic fins are small and rounded.
The tail is thin and flat. It has a small fold of skin along each side. The tail is almost as long as the body. A sharp, stinging spine is located on top of the tail, about halfway along its length. The caudal fin (tail fin) is long and shaped like a spear. The skin of the stingaree is completely smooth.
The top of its body is light green. It becomes reddish near the edges. It has several large, light blue blotches. These blotches are outlined and filled with tiny dots. They look like cells dividing during mitosis. The blotches can be different shapes but are spread out evenly. The underside of the stingaree and its tail fin are a plain light color. The largest known mitotic stingaree was 29 centimeters (11 inches) long.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Scientists do not know much about the daily life of the mitotic stingaree. Like other stingrays, it is thought to be aplacental viviparous. This means the mother carries her young inside her body. The developing embryos get food from a special "uterine milk" made by the mother.
The number of young born at one time is probably small. This is common for related stingray species. Male mitotic stingarees become ready to reproduce when they are about 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) long.
Conservation Status
The mitotic stingaree lives in an area managed by the North West Slope Trawl Fishery. However, very little fishing happens in its habitat. This is not expected to change in the future.
Because of this, the IUCN has listed the mitotic stingaree as Least Concern. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing. It could also benefit from Australia's 2004 plan to protect and manage sharks.
