Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser guitarfish (Zapteryx brevirostris) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Description
The lesser guitarfish is a small guitarfish from the southwestern Atlantic, ranging from southern Brazil to northern Argentina. It grows to about 53 cm (females to 59 cm) and has a broad, heart-shaped head disc merging into a flattened, shark-like rear body bearing two dorsal fins. The upper side is olive to brownish-grey without clear markings and the underside is whitish. A bottom-dweller, it lives over soft sediments down to about 50 metres and feeds on benthic crustaceans and polychaete worms. The species is ovoviviparous: after roughly a year of gestation, 1 to 8 pups are born in autumn. The IUCN lists it as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser guitarfish?
The Lesser guitarfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Broad heart-shaped head shield; ovoviviparous with a gestation of about a year
Where does the Lesser guitarfish live?
The Lesser guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Atlantic
How big does the Lesser guitarfish get?
The Lesser guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Lesser guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lesser guitarfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Lesser guitarfish edible?
The Lesser guitarfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Lesser guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.