The first record of eagle ray Aetobatus flagellum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from Shatt Al-Basra canal, south of Iraq

Abstract

Eagle ray Aetobatus flagellum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) was recorded for the first time in Shatt Al- Basra canal, south of Iraq. The Sample was collected by gill net in May 2016. Disc width of specimen is 280 mm and disc length 185 mm. The specimen is characterized by the long snout, the broad disc, the dorsal fin between pelvic fins, spiracles on the dorsal side of the disc, no any spots on the its dorsal side of the disc, the deeply notched nasal curtain and the single row of teeth in each jaw.