False shark ray

📖 Overview

A benthic species with presumably very restricted distribution range . A larger male of 275 cm TL (without the caudal fin) was observed in March 1998 at Agadir (reported not collected by an IMROP fishery observer). Caught by trammel net . The species was known from a few specimens caught in shallow water in Banc d'Arguin sandy shoal .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

This species with a heavy shark-like body is distinguished by the following: head somewhat flattened; snout tip broadly rounded to somewhat quadrangular; tail with a dermal fold along each lower edge; large and falcate dorsal fins 2; caudal fin with distinct upper and lower lobes; conspicuous dermal folds 2 on posterior margin of spiracles; nostrils are very large and oblique, and are separated from each other and from the mouth; anterior nasal flap is small (not extending to inner nostril corner); jaws moderately undulated; with about 66/72 rows of oral teeth arranged in pavement; a row of pointed thorns along each rostral ridge, 2/3 additional thorns may occur on snout tip; a single row of thornlets and thorns in front of orbit extending backward to level of spiracles; a median row of about 36 large, pointed thorns from the nape to first dorsal fin and 6 between dorsal fins, median thorns flanked by two other shorter rows on the nape-shoulder area, additional short rows of thorns may be present on the outer shoulders; body covered with small dermal denticles, the crowns with a median posterior cusp, an extension from the median ridge, and short lateral cusp; dorsal side greyish to greenish with numerous white ocelli-like spots; a large black transverse blotch on ventral snout tip . Resembles Rhynchobatus lubberti in having a similar colour pattern, but differs in having a more broadly rounded snout (similar to that of the shark-ray Rhina ancylostoma .: elongated; Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for False shark ray is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-neritic. Tropical; 28°N - 14°N, 18°W - 5°W East Atlantic: off Mauritania.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

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