Shortnose guitarfish (Zapteryx brevirostris) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Trygonorrhinidae (banjo rays)
Origin
South-west Atlantic from south-eastern Brazil to north-eastern Argentina; soft sandy bottoms to about 50 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
59.3 cm
Temperature
16–22°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
760 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank: the list suggests at least 200 US gallons (about 760 litres), minimal decor and ideally sand. The article stresses that a soft sand bed is essential: without one it loses weight and makes repeated shaking burying movements. Tank: floor area matters far more than height. Give a deep bed of fine, smooth sand (at least 5 cm) to bury in, little or no rockwork, guarded heaters and pump intakes, a tight lid, and strong filtration and aeration, as rays are messy feeders. Avoid copper-based treatments, which rays and their relatives tolerate poorly. Water: a temperate to subtropical species. 16–22 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and SG 1.023–1.026 are general marine guidance. Behaviour: adapts well. It can lift its body to form a "cave" to ambush prey. Under stress it breathes rapidly and pulls its eyes in. CITES: not mentioned in the article; check whether the 2022 guitarfish listing covers this family before selling. Conservation: the article is inconsistent, calling it both Critically Endangered and Endangered; either way it is threatened by overfishing. 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/Zapteryxbrevirostris). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Small crustaceans, worms, clams and small fish. Offer chopped shrimp, clam, worms and fish.

Breeding

Slow-growing; up to eight live young after 9–12 months, usually in autumn.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: eats crustaceans, worms and small fish.

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

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