Rhynchobatus australiae

(Whitley, 1939)

Vernacular names
English : Whitespotted wedgefish
French : Raie-guitare australe

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Rhinopristiformes
Family : Rhinobatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to over 3 meters in length. Long triangular head with pointed snout, broad triangular fins and high dorsal fins. Coloration is dark grey with numerous white spots over fins, back and flanks down to tail. Belly cream colored.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the western Pacific Ocean, from Gulf of Thailand to Australia east to Philippines. Its true range is unclear. Lives in inland waters on continental shelf, near soft bottoms and coral reefs.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is now highly threatened by fishery industries which target this species for its fins. Pollution and habitat loss are also major problems.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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