Raja texana (lat.) Is a species of cartilaginous fish of the rhombic family of rays of the order of stingrays. They live in subtropical waters of the central-western part of the Atlantic Ocean between 30 ° C. w. and 18 ° c. w. and between 98 ° c. D. and 80 ° C. They are found at a depth of up to 183 m. Their large, flattened pectoral fins form a rhombic disk with a slightly protruding snout. The maximum recorded length is 53 cm. Eggs are laid. They are not the target fishing target [1] [2] [3] .
| Raja texana |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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| International scientific name |
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Raja texana Chandler , 1921 |
| Security status |
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Not enough data IUCN Data Deficient : 161686 |
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The species was first scientifically described in 1921 [4] .
These demersal ramps live in the central west Atlantic, in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the United States and Mexico . They are found at a depth of up to 183 m. Young slopes are more often found in shallow bays, adult individuals stay farther from the coast. The temperature in the habitat ranges from 14–28 ° C, but most often these slopes occur at a temperature of 6–25 ° C at a depth of 91 m [2] [3] .
The broad and flat pectoral fins of these slopes form a rhombus disk with a slightly protruding snout tip and rounded edges. On the ventral side of the disc are 5 gill slits, nostrils and mouth. On the long tail there are lateral folds [1] . At the base of the pectoral fins there are marks in the form of ocelli. Shoulder spikes are missing. Along the spine lies the middle row of thorns. The distance from the “eyes” to the eyes is usually less than the distance between them. The dorsal surface of the disc is chocolate or coffee in color; the snout on both sides of the rostral cartilage is translucent. The maximum recorded length is 53 cm [2] .
Like other rhombic, these stingrays lay eggs enclosed in a rigid horn capsule with protrusions at the ends. Embryos feed exclusively on yolk [2] . Sexual dimorphism is observed, males are smaller than females. In females, both ovaries function. Fertilization is internal [5] . The size of the egg capsule varies greatly and apparently depends on the size of the parents. Capsules are light brown. Usually, one fertilized egg is enclosed in a capsule. The newly hatched stingrays outwardly represent a miniature copy of an adult. In the northern Gulf of Mexico, these stingrays feed mainly on shrimp . In the diet of adults, up to 25% are fish [3] .
These skates are not subject to targeted fishing. Caught in by- catch . Caught stingrays are usually thrown overboard. The data for the assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature of the conservation status of the species are insufficient [3] .
