Bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Shark ray, Mud skate, Shortnose mud skate, Sharkfin skate, Bow-mouthed angel shark
Family
Rhinidae (wedgefishes)
Origin
Tropical Indo-West Pacific from KwaZulu-Natal to Western Australia and Japan; sand and mud near reefs and wrecks, 3–90 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
300 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

Size: It reaches about 300 cm and needs a very large, long system: it is for public-aquarium-sized systems, not home aquaria. The article gives about 2.7 m and 135 kg. A strong, shark-like swimmer that adapts well and is common in public aquariums. Water: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.023–1.026. These are general marine aquarium figures for a tropical species, not species-specific values from the sources. Keep nitrate low and oxygen high. Behaviour: more active at night. Its back thorns protect it and it may ram anything it sees as a threat. CITES: the Wikipedia article does not mention CITES, but the family Rhinidae (wedgefishes) was added to CITES Appendix II in 2019; confirm the current listing before selling. In Great Britain, CITES Appendix II species are Annex B under the wildlife trade regulations, so sellers must be able to show the fish was legally imported or captive-bred and keep the paperwork. Conservation: IUCN Critically Endangered (2019). Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinaancylostoma). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Bottom-living fish, crabs, shrimps, clams and squid, crushed with flattened teeth. In public aquaria fed fish, squid and shellfish.

Breeding

Gives birth to 2–11 live young, 45–51 cm long. Bred in public aquaria (Newport Aquarium from 2007; S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, 2015).

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe. Only for public-aquarium systems.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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