COMMON NAME: Bow-mouth Guitarfish
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhina ancylostoma
FAMILY: Rhinidae (Wedgefishes)
LOCAL NAME: Madi miyaru
SIZE: Up to 2.7 meters
ORDER: Chondrichthyes
DIET: crustaceans and molluscs
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered
This species belongs to the wedgefishes, a ray family with physical characteristics similar to sharks and rays. As the name implies, this ray bears a resemblance to a shark; Maldivian fishermen refer to them as sharks.
This species is found on the inner atoll floors’ sandy substrate in inshore areas, though it occasionally ventures into shallow lagoons.
A broad, rounded snout with large pectoral fins, as well as a prominent ridge over the eyes and along the back and shoulders bearing large thorns, distinguishes this species. The tail and dorsal fins resemble those of a shark. Its mouth is shaped like a W.
Large white spots, partial eye spots (ocelli) on the pectoral fins, a white underside, and black bars between the eyes are all present on the bluish-grey or brownish upper surface. This species primarily feeds on bottom crustaceans and molluscs.
Typically, it can be found between 3 and 90 meters below the surface. They like places that are muddy or sandy. They can also be found near shipwrecks and reefs.
Reference
Anderson, R. (1997), Fishes of the Maldives. Marine Research Centre
Kuiter, R. (2014), Fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions
