Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitenose guitarfish (Pseudobatos leucorhynchus) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 118 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from Mazatlan (Mexico) to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
Description
The whitenose guitarfish is a ray-like fish of the family Rhinobatidae from the eastern Pacific, from Mazatlan in Mexico to Ecuador. The species reaches about 118 cm and has a flattened, angular front with the disc, a long, white snout and a muscular, shark-like tail. It lives benthically in shallow waters over sandy bottoms. The diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. The species is ovoviviparous and bears one to six pups per litter. Unlike stingrays it has no venomous spine and is harmless. Through bycatch in fisheries it is assessed by the IUCN as vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitenose guitarfish?
The Whitenose guitarfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long, white snout and shark-like tail; harmless and ovoviviparous; vulnerable (VU) due to bycatch.
Where does the Whitenose guitarfish live?
The Whitenose guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, from Mazatlan (Mexico) to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
How big does the Whitenose guitarfish get?
The Whitenose guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 118 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Whitenose guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitenose guitarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Whitenose guitarfish edible?
The Whitenose guitarfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudobatos
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitenose guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitenose guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.