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Article
Gross Brain Morphology in the Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis
Florida Scientist
  • Brian K. Walker, Nova Southeastern University
  • Robin L. Sherman, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Abstract

The yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (family Urolophidae), a short-lived, relatively small elasmobranch species (35--40 cm total length), is a common inhabitant of hard bottom and coral reef communities in southeastern Florida and many parts of the Caribbean. A paucity of published studies deal with the yellow stingray, none however on the gross morphology of its nervous system. The gross brain structure of the yellow stingray is compared with previously published studies on other batoid elasmobranchs. The external brain structure of Urobatis jamaicensis was similar to that reported for other Dasyatids, including presence of an asymmetric cerebellum. The bilaterally symmetric brain is well developed and quite large in proportion to body size (≈1--2% bw). Stingrays generally possess a brain three to 10 times the size of their sister groups, the electric rays, guitarfish, and skates (Northcutt, 1989), the yellow stingray is no exception.

Comments

©Florida Academy of Sciences. 2001

Citation Information
Brian K. Walker and Robin L. Sherman. "Gross Brain Morphology in the Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis" Florida Scientist Vol. 64 Iss. 4 (2001) p. 246 - 249 ISSN: 0098-4590
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/brian_k_walker/41/