Acroteriobatus omanensis

Acroteriobatus omanensis, the Oman guitarfish, is a type of guitarfish of the family Rhinobatidae found in Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. There has only been a handful of specimens discovered in fish landings in Muscat. Therefore, its population and potential threats are not specifically known to scientists.

Description

The Oman guitarfish differs from its congeners by its dense pattern of small, symmetrical arrangement of ocelli and very narrowly pointed nose. This small guitarfish can reach 60 cm in total length.

Habitat and distribution

The Oman guitarfish inhabits the sedimentary subtidal zone at depths of up to 100 m. It is thought to occur in muddy and sandy area of the sea floor.
The population of this species is still poorly known due to the lack of fisheries data and specimens collected. However, guitarfish is generally prone to overfishing and housing/urban area expansion.