SDSS IV MaNGA: Visual morphological and statistical characterization of the DR15 sample

We present a detailed visual morphological classification for the 4614 MaNGA galaxies in SDSS Data Release 15, using image mosaics generated from a combination of r −band (SDSS and deeper DESI Legacy Surveys) images and their digital post-processing. We distinguish 13 Hubble types and identify the presence of bars and bright tidal debris. After correcting the MaNGA sample for volume completeness, we calculate the morphological fractions, the bi-variate distribution of type and stellar mass M*–where we recognise a morphological transition ”valley” around S0a-Sa types– and the variations of the g − i colour and luminosity-weighted age over this distribution. We identified bars in 46.8 per cent of galaxies, present in all Hubble types later than S0. This fraction amounts to a factor ∼2 larger when compared with other works for samples in common. We detected 14 per cent of galaxies with tidal features, with the fraction changing with M* and morphology. For 355 galaxies, the classification was uncertain; they are visually faint, mostly of low/intermediate masses, low concentrations, and disky in nature. Our morphological classification agrees well with other works for samples in common, though some particular differences emerge, showing that our image procedures allow us to identify a wealth of added value information as compared to SDSS-based previous estimates. Based on our classification, we also propose an alternative criteria for the E–S0 separation, in the structural semi-major to semi-minor axis versus bulge to total light ratio (b/a − B/T) and concentration versus semi-major to semi-minor axis (C − b/a) space.