The Bowmouth Guitarfish, Bow-mouthed Angel Fish, Great Shark Ray, Java Sea Shark Ray, Mud Skate, and Shark Ray – all common names for the fascinating Rhina ancylostomus – is a unique and intriguing species of fish. It is distinguished by its flattened, ray-like body and a distinctive, bow-shaped mouth, which gives it its most common name.
Description & Characteristics
The Rhina ancylostomus is a large fish, reaching a maximum size of 300 cm. Its body is characterized by a flattened, disc-like shape, similar to a ray, and a prominent, long snout. The distinctive bow-shaped mouth is situated on the underside of the head, giving it its characteristic name. This mouth houses rows of small, pointed teeth, perfectly adapted for capturing its prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Rhina ancylostomus is a demersal fish, meaning it lives primarily on or near the bottom of the ocean. It can be found at depths ranging from 3 to 90 meters, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. This species is known to occur in tropical and subtropical waters, with a preference for sandy or muddy bottoms. Its distribution includes regions of the Indian Ocean, the western Pacific, and the eastern Atlantic.
Taxonomy
The Rhina ancylostomus is classified within the Class: Elasmobranchii, the group containing sharks, rays, and skates. It belongs to the Order: Rhinopristiformes, a group of fish known for their flattened bodies and specialized mouths, and the Family: Rhinidae, which includes guitarfish and shark rays.
Feeding
The Rhina ancylostomus is a carnivore, feeding primarily on benthic organisms, or those found on the ocean floor. Its diet consists mainly of clams, crustaceans, snails, and other zoobenthos. It uses its distinctive bow-shaped mouth and teeth to capture prey, demonstrating a predatory feeding strategy.
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