Glaucostegus thouin (Anonymous [Lacepède], 1798)
Thouin ray
Glaucostegus thouin
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Glaucostegidae (Giant guitarfishes)
Max. size:  300 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range - 60 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, India (including Sri Lanka) to Indonesia, north to Japan (Ref. 114953). Australian and old records from the Mediterranean Sea and Suriname need confirmation.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found inshore (Ref. 9909) and offshore (Ref. 58784). A carnivorous fish that feeds on large shellfishes (Ref. 58784). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Biology little known (Ref. 9909). Caught occasionally by demersal tangle net fisheries operating throughout the area. Utilized for its meat, find (both very high value), skin and cartilage (Ref.58048). Marketed fresh and probably dried-salted (Ref. 9909).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 03 December 2018 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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