Lesser guitarfish
The lesser guitarfish or lesser sandshark (Acroteriobatus annulatus) is a species of fish in the Rhinobatidae family.
| Lesser guitarfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Superorder: | Batoidea |
| Order: | Rhinopristiformes |
| Family: | Rhinobatidae |
| Genus: | Acroteriobatus |
| Species: | A. annulatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Acroteriobatus annulatus (J. P. Müller & Henle, 1841) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Rhinobatos annulatus | |
Description
This sand shark grows up to 140 cm long. It has a flat, triangular snout with nearly translucent areas on either side. The upper part of the body is pale cream with dark rings surrounding dark spots. The underside is white. The dorsal fins are set well back on the tail.[2]
Distribution and habitat
This shark lives on sandy plains.[2] It is found in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and possibly Mozambique. Its natural habitats are shallow seas and estuarine waters.
Conservation
This species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is threatened by habitat loss.
References
- Pollom, R.; Da Silva, C.; Gledhill, K.; Leslie, R.; McCord, M.E. & Winker, H. (2020). "Acroteriobatus annulatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T60163A124446397. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T60163A124446397.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- Zsilavecz, Guido (2005). Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay : a divers' identification guide. Cape Town: Southern Underwater Research Group. ISBN 0-620-34230-7. OCLC 70133147.
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