broadnose wedgefish

8/1/2018

Rhynchobatus springeri sp. nov.: A. dorsal view of female holotype (RMNH PISC 35839, 410 mm TL, preserved); B. lateral view of holotype; C. ventral view of holotype; In: COMPAGNO, L.J.V. & LAST, P.R. (2010): A new species of wedgefish, Rhynchobatus springeri (Rhynchobatoidei, Rhynchobatidae), from the Western Pacific. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper, 32: 77-88

The broadnose wedgefish, Rhynchobatus springeri, is a large wedgefish that can get up to at least 2.13 metres total length (TL). Found around Indonesia and Malaysia, they are a poorly known benthic species that can be observed in brackish and estuary waters. We don't know what their diet is made up of, but scientists believe it must be similar to other wedgefish: invertebrates, crustaceans, and yummy small bony fish!

A pale grey-green color, they sometimes look brown and have a constellation of stars on their dorsal side. Behind each eye is a dark dot, and a bigger and dark dot is near the base of each dorsal fin. Looking like other wedgefish, it seems like a ray and a shark got together to create this animal!

The IUCN has assessed these animals as Vulnerable (VU) due to fishing demands and possible habitat destruction.

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GLOSSARY

Dorsal fin: Fin located on the back.
Dorsal side: The top of an animal.
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.