Rhina ancylostoma

Bowmouth Guitarfish are generally solitary and inhabit sandy bottoms near coral reefs or coastal slopes. They feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, using strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey. While typically slow-moving, they can be agile when startled and rely on camouflage to avoid predators.

This species is ovoviviparous, with embryos developing inside the mother and being born live. Litter sizes are usually small, often around 2–11 pups per cycle. Their slow reproductive rate contributes to their vulnerability to environmental pressures.

Bowmouth Guitarfish can reach lengths of up to 8.9 feet (2.7 meters). They have a broad, blunt head with a high, rounded snout, a heavily armored dorsal surface, and bold spots and white markings across the body. Their large pectoral fins give them a gliding, ray-like swimming style, while their thick skin protects them from predators.

Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, Bowmouth Guitarfish inhabit shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and continental shelf environments. They have long been recognized by fishers and divers for their unusual appearance and have been targeted for meat and fins.

The Bowmouth Guitarfish is classified as Critically Endangered, primarily due to overfishing, habitat loss, and the high value of its fins in international trade. Conservation efforts focus on enforcing fishing restrictions, protecting reef habitats, and raising awareness about the species’ precarious status.