Southern banded guitarfish Profile

The Southern banded guitarfish (Zapteryx xyster) is a species of ray notable for its distinctive physical appearance that resembles a blend between a shark and a ray, with a dorsoventrally flattened body and elongated tail. Predominantly, it showcases a sandy to brownish coloration, often with lighter or darker bands or spots that aid in its camouflage on the ocean floor. Originating from the Eastern Pacific, specifically from the Gulf of California to Ecuador, this species inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters. Despite its unique appearance, the Southern banded guitarfish is not commonly known in the aquarium hobby, primarily due to its size, habitat requirements, and relative obscurity compared to more popular marine species.