Himantura kittipongi
| Roughback whipray | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Myliobatiformes |
| Family: | Dasyatidae |
| Genus: | Himantura |
| Species: | H. kittipongi |
| Binomial name | |
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Himantura kittipongi Vidthayanon & T. R. Roberts, 2005 |
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The roughback whipray (Himantura kittipongi) is a rare species of freshwater stingray in the family Dasyatidae, found over sandy bottoms in the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya Rivers of Thailand. Growing no more than 29 cm (11 in) across, this small ray has an oval pectoral fin disc and a whip-like tail without fin folds. It closely resembles the white-edge freshwater whipray (H. signifer) in appearance, but can be distinguished by its coloration: light gray to dark orange-brown above and white below with a dark band along the lateral margins. Another identifying feature is a "pearl organ" (enlarged dermal denticle) at the center of the back, found in individuals of all ages. All of the original specimens of the roughback whipray were found with extensive wounds to the fins and tail. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species as Endangered, citing the extensive habitat degradation and heavy fishing pressure within its limited range.
The roughback whipray was described by WWF Thailand Senior Freshwater Biologist Chavalit Vidthayanon and Smithsonian Research Associate Tyson Roberts in a 2005 issue of the scientific journal Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society. They named the ray after Bangkok aquarium fish dealer and prominent fish expert Khun Jarutanin Kittipong, who the year before had provided the original five specimens that formed the basis for the description. A female 26 cm (10 in) across was designated as the type specimen. Based on morphology, H. kittipongi seems to be most closely related to H. signifer, which shares its range.
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