Scyliorhinus tokubee sp. nov. from Izu Peninsula,southern Japan (Scyliorhinidae,Elasmobranchii)

A new catshark,Scyliorhinus tokubee sp. nov., is described based on specimens from the coast of Shirahama, eastern Izu Peninsula, southern Japan. The present species is distinguished from other congeners in having a particular coloration with dark saddles, blotches and numerous small light spots, a wide oral cleft, the anterior nasal flap not reaching the oral cleft, a short interspace between the dorsal fins, developed clasper hooks, and some meristic characters (number of vertebrae, jaw teeth, and spiral valve turns). This species has been bred under captivity for several years in Shimoda Floating Aquarium.