Bourdon, James A., Mollet, Henry F.
(JAB) New Jersey Paleontological Society, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520;
(HFM) 886 Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA 93940

The dentition of the pelagic stingray Dasyatis violacea, its design and function

In both sexes, the pelagic stingray dentition combines high-cusped anterior files with broadly cuspidate teeth in posterior positions. The transverse ridges of these posterior teeth create a cutting edge. This is unlike the typical clutching-crushing design associated with most members of the genus. Based upon tooth and dentition design, and feeding observations at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, there appears to be sufficient evidence to characterize this as a deboning dentition.


Abstract for 1999 AES meeting at Penn State, State College PA.

Added to home page: October 1999.


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