STATUS OF 2 SPECIES OF SKATES, RAJA (DIPTURUS) TEEVANI AND R(D)-FLORIDANA (CHONDRICHTHYES, RAJOIDEI), FROM THE WESTERN NORTH-ATLANTIC

The taxonomic status of Raja (Dipturus) floridana and R. (D.) teevani was investigated. Three geographic samples (southeastern United States Atlantic seaboard, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean) encompassing the kn own distributions of the two species were compared meristically and mo rphometrically. Comparisons revealed little difference among the three samples and suggested that only one species was represented. The holo type of R. floridana (from the Atlantic) was more similar to the Gulf and Caribbean samples than it was to the Atlantic sample and the parat ypes of R. floridana. Morphometric and meristic results demonstrated t hat a strong size component exists among the samples. Clinal variation was apparent among the samples, with the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico morphs being generally most disparate. The Caribbean sample consistent ly represented an intermediate morph. Presence of an interdorsal thorn varied both geographically and ontogenetically and was concluded not to be a suitable taxonomic character. The lateral line and ampullary s ystems also did not distinguish the samples but suggested a possible b athymetric relationship with numbers of lateral-line terminal canals. The observed morphological variation does not warrant recognition of t wo species, and R. floridana is placed in synonymy with R. teevani.