Bowmouth Guitarfish

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 (Ref. 5578). Grey or brownish above (Ref. 5578), white below; numerous white spots dorsally on fins, body and tail; black spots on head and shoulders but no eyespots or ocelli (Ref. 3919).

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 (Ref. 50449). With 4 in a litter (Ref. 12951). Size at birth 45 cm (Ref. 12951).

Found on sand and mud bottoms near reefs and wrecks (Ref. 12951), usually in shallow water. Sometimes found in the water column (Ref. 12951). Feeds mainly on bottom crustaceans and mollusks.

Inhabits coastal areas and on coral reefs, close inshore (Ref. 9915). Found on sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 12951). Sometimes found in the water column (Ref. 12951). Feeds mainly on bottom crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 9915). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Produces litters of 2-11 pups (Ref. 114953). 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 (Ref.58048). Difficult to handle and can damage the catch when caught in trawls (Ref. 9915). Utilized fresh and dried-salted; the pectoral fins are the only part which is eaten (Ref. 9987).

fisheries: commercial