Okamejei heemstrai (lat.) Is a species of cartilaginous fish of the rhombic family of rays of the order of stingrays. They live in the western Indian Ocean . They are found at a depth of up to 500 m. Their large, flattened pectoral fins form a rhombic disk. The maximum recorded length is 51.5 cm. Eggs are laid. They are not the target fishing target [1] [2] [3] .
| Okamejei heemstrai |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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Okamejei heemstrai ( McEachran & Fechhelm , 1982) |
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- Raja _heemstrai McEachran & Fechhelm, 1982
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Not enough data IUCN Data Deficient : 161421 |
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The species was first scientifically described in 1982 as Raja heemstrai [4] . The species is named after the ichthyologist Philip Himstra. Known only for a few individuals caught in the waters of East Africa [2] .
These bathydemersal ramps live in the western Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya , Mozambique and Tanzania . They are found at a depth of 200-500 m [2] .
The wide and flat pectoral fins of these rays form a rhombus disk. On the ventral side of the disc are 5 gill slits, nostrils and mouth. On the thin tail there are lateral folds. These skates have 2 reduced dorsal fins and a reduced caudal fin [1] . The maximum recorded length is 51.5 cm [3] .
These stingrays lay eggs enclosed in a rigid horn capsule with protrusions at the ends. Embryos feed exclusively on yolk [3] .
These skates are not subject to targeted fishing. The data for the assessment of the conservation status of the species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature are insufficient [2] .
