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MARINE
WORLD
BOWMOUTH GUITAR SHARKS
The Bowmouth guitar shark is named for its distinctive mouth which almost resembles a longbow.
This deep-bodied guitarfish is unmistakable seen as the species has a broad, rounded snout, a head that is distinctly angled from its pectoral fins, and a tail that is much longer than the body.
The dorsal fins are tall and un-mistakably shark-like, most definetly earning the species its alternative and most used common name of sharkfin guitarfish.
The creature also posses heavy ridges of spiky, sharp thorns which appear across the bony ridges on the head. These of course are mostly used in defensive butting, scaring away enemys by knocking them in their blind spots.
However the most distinctive feature of this species is probably its unusual markings and strange colouration, with white spots on the fins, body and tail, a large blue-edged, black spot above each pectoral fin, and dark bands between the eyes.
TIP TOP FACTS
The Bowmouth has not jsut one name, it is known by experts across the globe as mud skate, shark ray and even Sharkfin guitarfish.
Even thought theBowmouth is not a direct decendent from the shark family, you can certainly recognise the features that fit. This would incluse its razor like teeth, iconic fin and long slim like body.
They usually gros up to 270cm and can weigh up to 135kg!!!
The species can dwell within the deepest parks of the oceon living in depths of up to 90 meters deep!
The species is usually found within the indo-western pacific, the western red sea, On the coasts of Japan and of course, surround the areas of australia. However the creatures are usually found within shallow waters surrounding coral reefs.
The bowmouth guitarfish is threatened by commercial fisheries throughout its range, being taken both as a target species and as bycatch. This is where marine creatures become trapped by commercial fishing nets.
The pectoral fins are sold for human consumption in Asia, with it fetching exceptionally high prices. Sadly, this high demand and lucrative market creates a powerful incentive to retain bycatch, where it may otherwise have been thrown back into the sea. The species is susceptible to capture by a range of fishing gear types, including trawl nets, gillnets and hooks. WHich therefore leads to people 'wanting' to find these creatures rather than just stumbling across them whilst fising.
Of course this special is highly endangered due to the popular demand for their fins.
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