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The '''mitotic stingaree''' or '''blotched stingaree''' (''Urolophus mitosis'') is a little-known [[species]] of [[Myliobatiformes|stingray]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Urolophidae]].
The '''mitotic stingaree''' or '''blotched stingaree''' (''Urolophus mitosis'') is a little-known [[species]] of [[Myliobatiformes|stingray]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Urolophidae]], so named because it has light blue blotches on its back that resemble [[cell (biology)|cell]]s undergoing [[mitosis|mitotic division]]. Though not uncommon, it is found only in a small area of the outer [[continental shelf]] off northwestern [[Australia]], at around {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}} down. This species attains a length of {{convert|29|cm|in|abbr=on}} long and has a diamond-shaped [[pectoral fin]] disc with broadly rounded corners and a skirt-shaped curtain of skin between the nostrils. Its tail has subtle skin folds running along either side, no [[dorsal fin]], and a slender leaf-shaped [[caudal fin]]. The [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]] (IUCN) has listed the mitotic stingaree under [[Least Concern]], as there is little fishing within its range.
==Taxonomy==
The mitotic stingaree was described by Peter Last and Martin Gomon in a 1987 issue of ''Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria'', in which they gave it the [[specific epithet]] ''mitosis'' (derived from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''mitos'', meaning "thread") in reference to its unique color pattern. The [[type specimen]] is a female {{convert|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} across, collected by the research [[trawl]]er FRV ''Soela'' on April 2, 1982.<ref name="last and gomon">{{cite journal |author=Last, P.R. and M.F. Gomon |date=October 31, 1987 |title=New Australian fishes. Part 15. New species of ''Trygonoptera'' and ''Urolophus'' (Urolophidae) |journal=Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=63–72}}</ref> A close relative is the [[brown stingaree]] (''U. westraliensis'').<ref name="last and stevens"/>
==Distribution and habitat==
The mitotic stingaree has only been reported from a small area north of [[Port Hedland]] in [[Western Australia]], where it is fairly common.<ref name="iucn"/> This [[benthic fish|benthic]] ray is found over fine [[sediment]] at the edge of the [[continental shelf]], around {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep.<ref name="iucn"/>
==Description==
The [[pectoral fin]] disc of the mitotic stingaree is more or less diamond-shaped and slightly wider than long. The leading margins are nearly straight, while the outer corners and trailing margins are rounded. The snout forms an obtuse angle, with the tip extending slightly past the disc. The eyes are large and followed by the [[spiracle]]s, which are comma-shaped with rounded or angular posterior rims. There may be a small knob on the posterior corner of each nostril. Between the nostrils is a skirt-shaped curtain of skin with a subtly fringed trailing margin, which is drawn out into lobes at either corner. The mouth is somewhat large with 3–4 papillae (nipple-like structures) on the floor; a few papillae are also present on the lower jaw.<ref name="last and stevens">{{cite book |author=Last, P.R. and J.D. Stevens |year=2009 |title=Sharks and Rays of Australia |edition=second |publisher=Harvard University Press |page=420–421 |isbn=0674034112}}</ref> The teeth are small with roughly oval bases, and the five pairs of [[gill slit]]s are short. The [[pelvic fin]]s are small and rounded.<ref name="last and compagno">{{cite book |author=Last, P.R. and L.J.V. Compagno |chapter=Myliobatiformes: Urolophidae |editor=Carpenter, K.E. and V.H. Niem |title=FAO identification guide for fishery purposes: The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific |publisher=Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations |year=1999 |isbn=9251043027 |pages=1469–1476}}</ref>
The slender tail is strongly flattened and bears a subtle skin fold along each side; it measures 85–104% as long as the disc. A serrated stinging spine is positioned atop the tail about halfway along its length; the [[caudal fin]] is elongated and lance-like. The skin is entirely smooth. The upper surface of the disc is light green, becoming reddish towards the margins, and adorned by several large, light blue blotches outlined and filled with tiny dots, such as that they resemble [[cell (biology)|cells]] during [[mitosis]]. The blotches are variable in shape but evenly spaced. The underside and caudal fin are uniformly light. The largest known specimen measures {{convert|29|cm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="last and stevens"/>
==Biology and ecology==
Virtually nothing is known of the natural history of the mitotic stingaree. It is presumably [[aplacental viviparous]], with the developing [[embryo]]s sustained by histotroph ("uterine milk") produced by the mother, like other stingrays. The litter size is probably small, as in related species. Males reach [[sexual maturity]] at a length of {{convert|25|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="iucn"/>
==Human interactions==
The mitotic stingaree occurs within the management area of the North West Slope Trawl Fishery (NWSTF), but little actual fishing occurs within its range and this is unlikely to change in the future. Therefore, the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]] (IUCN) has listed this species under [[Least Concern]]. It would potentially benefit from the implementation of the 2004 Australian National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.<ref name="iucn"/>
==References==
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