Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded guitarfish (Zapteryx exasperata) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Description
The banded guitarfish is a ray of the guitarfish family (Rhinobatidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 83 cm and has a flattened forebody with a rounded snout grading into a shark-like, muscular hind body with two dorsal fins; the body bears dark crossbars, to which the name refers. It occurs mainly in rocky areas shallower than 10 metres and moves offshore onto soft bottoms. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crabs, shrimps, worms and small fishes. Unlike stingrays a guitarfish lacks a venomous spine; it is harmless to humans. Owing to limited data the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded guitarfish?
The Banded guitarfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars and a shark-like rear body; lacks the venomous spine of stingrays.
Where does the Banded guitarfish live?
The Banded guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky areas and soft bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Banded guitarfish get?
The Banded guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 83 cm.
Is the Banded guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded guitarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded guitarfish edible?
The Banded guitarfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Zapteryx
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.