Somniosus (Rhinoscymnus) cheni sp. nov., A New Species of Sleeper Shark (Squaliformes: Somniosidae) from Eastern Taiwan, with Aspects of Embryo Biology

Abstract

A new species of sleeper shark is described based on a 134.0 cm total length pregnant female collected from off Hualien, eastern Taiwan. The species belongs to a small species group (subgenus Rhinoscymnus) and can be distinguished from its congeners in having a smaller second dorsal fin, smaller eyes, more rows of teeth in the upper jaw and fewer in the lower jaw, and a different body proportion. Moreover, the specimen had 33 embryos, which is substantially more than the two other small species in the subgenus. Information on embryo biology are also provided.