Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841)
Lesser guitarfish
Zapteryx brevirostris
photo by Vianna, M.

Family:  Trygonorrhinidae (Banjo rays, Fiddler rays)
Max. size:  53.4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 59.3 cm TL (female); max.weight: 758.0 g; max.weight: 1,272.0 g
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 50 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: from northern Argentina to southern Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Obtuse snout, broader heart shaped disc. Olive to brownish gray above, without definite markings, dorsal and caudal darker than general ground tint, margins of pectoral and pelvic fins paler. Lower surface grayish or yellowish white, posterior corners of pectoral fins and tips of pelvic fins more or less dusky (Ref. 6902).
Biology:  This benthic inshore species is found over soft bottoms to at least 50 m; feeds on benthic crustaceans and polychaetes. Gestation last about a year, produces litters of 1-8 pups in autumn (Ref. 114953). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Maturity size for males at 43-45 cm TL, females at 42-48 cm TL; birth size at 13-16 cm TL (Ref. 114953).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 July 2019 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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