Acroteriobatus omanensis explained

Acroteriobatus omanensis, the Oman guitarfish, is a type of guitarfish of the family Rhinobatidae found in Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.[1] [2] There has only been a handful of specimens discovered in fish landings in Muscat. Therefore, its population and potential threats are not specifically known to scientists.

Description

The Oman guitarfish differs from its congeners by its dense pattern of small, symmetrical arrangement of ocelli (each consisting of a white spot surrounded by a darker rim) and very narrowly pointed nose. This small guitarfish can reach 60 cm in total length.

Habitat and distribution

The Oman guitarfish inhabits the sedimentary subtidal zone at depths of up to 100 m (328 ft). It is thought to occur in muddy and sandy area of the sea floor.

The population of this species is still poorly known due to the lack of fisheries data and specimens collected. However, guitarfish is generally prone to overfishing and housing/urban area expansion (especially land reclamation).

References

  1. Web site: Simpfendorfer, C., Valinassab, T., Moore, A., Jabado, R.W. & Elhassan, I. . 2017 . Acroteriobatus omanensis . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T107604242A109922500.en.
  2. Last, P.R. & Henderson, A.C. & Naylor, G.J.P. . 2016 . Acroteriobatus omanensis (Batoidea: Rhinobatidae), a new guitarfish from the Gulf of Oman . Zootaxa . 4144 . 2 . 276-286.