Comparative anatomy between the claspers of certain Rajiformes and Rhinopristiformes (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii: Batoidea)

Modern Chondrichthyes have cartilaginous intromittent elements, associated to the pelvic girdles and fins named claspers. This anatomical complex has great taxonomic and systematic importance. Therefore, in the present study we compare the clasper skeletons of Rajiformes with those of Rhinopristiformes. Our results show that Rhinopristiformes claspers have very similar anatomy between the species examined. On the other hand, Rajiformes claspers are very distinct in the different genera examined.