An undescribed genus of skate (Pisces, Elasmobranchii, Rajoidei) from Korea

The most recent, Jeong and Nakabo (1997) described Raja koreana as a new species based on an adult female specimen collected from the southwestern coast of Korean Peninsula. Raja koreana has several unique characters not shared with any other supraspecific taxa of Rajoidei, but it was provisionally included in the genus Raja because of having no information of its clasper. Later, two mature males and a few specimens of the species were collected from near the type locality. Therefore, a new genus should be erected for this species. The new genus is characterized by the followings: Rostral shaft straight, narrow and thick in depth: unsegmented base with filamentous cartilage. Dorsal surface of tail with a row of distinct thorns along midline, patches of distinct thorns anterior to first dorsal fin and between first and second dorsal fins in bathe sexes; most thorns directed anteriorly, and thornlets directed posteriorly. Scapulocoracoid comparatively short and high, rear corner high, without anterior bridge, postventral fenestra expanded. Distal tip of accessory terminal 1 claspser cartilage well separated from the tip of accessory terminal 2 clasper cartilage.