Acroteriobatus omanensis

Oman guitarfish
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Chondrichthyes
Subclass:	Elasmobranchii
Order:	Rhinopristiformes
Family:	Rhinobatidae
Genus:	Acroteriobatus
Species:	A. omanensis
Binomial name
Acroteriobatus omanensis Last, Henderson & Naylor, 2016
Range of Oman guitarfish

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. ^[2] Therefore, its population and potential threats are not specifically known to scientists. ^{[2] [1]}

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. ^[2] This small guitarfish can reach 60 cm in total length. ^[2]

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. ^{[1] [2]}

The population of this species is still poorly known due to the lack of fisheries data and specimens collected. ^[1] However, guitarfish is generally prone to overfishing and housing/urban area expansion (especially land reclamation). ^[1]

References

1. Simpfendorfer, C., Valinassab, T., Moore, A., Jabado, R.W. & Elhassan, I. (2017). "Acroteriobatus omanensis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi: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. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4144.2.9. PMID   27470854.