Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Rhinopristiformes
- Family
- Rhinobatidae
- Genus
- Zapteryx
- Species
- brevirostris
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays over sandy or muddy substrates in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. It prefers depths of less than 50 meters and is commonly found from southern Brazil to Argentina. They often bury themselves in the sediment to avoid predators.
Diet
The lesser guitarfish feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, and worms, as well as small fish. It forages along the sea floor, using its pectoral fins to stir up sediment and uncover prey. Feeding activity peaks at night when they are most active.
Behavior
Lesser guitarfish are generally solitary or found in small groups, spending much of the day buried in sand and becoming active at night to hunt. They exhibit territorial behavior around feeding areas and use their flattened bodies to hide from threats. This species is not particularly migratory but may move in response to water temperature changes.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.