Bowmouth guitarfish

📖 Overview

Inhabits coastal areas and offshore coral reefs, close inshore . Found on sand and mud bottoms . Sometimes found in the water column . Feeds on demersal bony fishes (e.g. croakers), crustaceans (crabs, prawns), bivalves, and cephalopods . Ovoviviparous . Produces litters of 2-11 pups . A row of large spines present above the eye, on the center of the nape, and on the shoulder have a defensive function (can be used for butting). Caught commonly by demersal tangle net, and occasionally trawl and longline fisheries. Considered as to be a problem in trawls because it is very rough and spiky, difficult to handle and can be hazardous, thus they create a nuisance to trawl fishers as they are difficult to remove and their roughness can damage smaller species in the catch . Utilized fresh and dried-salted; the pectoral fins are the only part which is eaten .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

An unmistakable guitarfish with a broad, rounded snout, large, high pectoral fins, and heavy ridges of spiky thorns over the eyes and on the back and shoulders; jaws with heavily ridged, crushing teeth in undulating rows . Grey or brownish above , white below; numerous white spots dorsally on fins, body and tail; black spots on head and shoulders but no eyespots or ocelli .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Bowmouth guitarfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures . With 4 in a litter . Size at birth 45 cm .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 90 m . Tropical; 42°N - 34°S, 30°E - 170°E West Pacific, from South Africa (Natal coast), Mozambique, East Africa, Seychelles, the Red Sea, Arabia, Oman, the Persian Gulf, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia (Borneo), Philippines, New Guinea, Thailand, Viet Nam, China, Taiwan Province of China, Korea, Japan, and Australia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Bowmouth guitarfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

📊 Population Dynamics

👥 Community & Contribute