Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Uniformly tan to brownish pink dorsally. Inhabits lagoon and seaward sand flats from the intertidal to at least 200 m. Occurs in large aggregations (Ref. 37816).
- Recorder
- Grace Tolentino Pablico
Life Cycle
provided by Fishbase
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). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205). Size at birth ~ 55 cm WD (Ref.58048).
Trophic Strategy
provided by Fishbase
Found on the continental shelf (Ref. 75154).
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Occurs in aggregations over soft bottoms of the inner continental shelf, often near coral reefs (Ref. 9840). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Size at birth at about 55 cm WD (Ref. 6871). Feeds on fishes, crustaceans and molluscs (Ref. 89972). Common catch of the demersal tangle net, bottom trawl and, to a lesser extend, longline fisheries. Utilized for its meat, skin (high value) and cartilage (Ref.58048). By-catch of prawn trawlers (Ref. 6871).
Importance
provided by Fishbase
fisheries: minor commercial; price category: low; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family