Myliobatiformes (/mɪliˈɒbətɪfɔːrmiːz/) is one of the four orders of batoids, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks.[5][6] They were formerly included in the order Rajiformes, but more recent phylogenetic studies have shown the myliobatiforms to be a monophyletic group, and its more derived members evolved their highly flattened shapes independently of the skates.[7][8]
Myliobatiformes Temporal range:
| |
---|---|
Short-tail stingray, Dasyatis brevicaudata | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Chondrichthyes |
Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
Superorder: | Batoidea |
Order: | Myliobatiformes Compagno, 1973 |
Type species | |
Myliobatis aquila | |
Suborders | |
See text for families. |
Nelson's Fishes of the World arranges the Myliobatiformes as:[9][10]
The family Aetobatidae is recognised by some authorities. It contains the genus Aetobatus, which is otherwise part of Myliobatinae. [12][11]
The families Myliobatidae and Rhombodontidae are sometimes grouped in their own superfamily, Myliobatoidea.[13]