Thornback guitarfish
(Platyrhinoidis triseriata)
General data
The thornback guitarfish (Platyrhinoidis triseriata) is a species of ray in the family Platyrhinidae, and the only member of its genus. Despite its name and appearance, it is more closely related to electric rays than to true guitarfishes of the family Rhinobatidae.
This species ranges from Tomales Bay to the Gulf of California, generally in inshore waters no deeper than 6 m (20 ft).
It can be found on or buried in sand or mud, or in and near kelp beds.
Reaching 91 cm (36 in) in length, the thornback guitarfish has a heart-shaped pectoral fin disc and a long, robust tail bearing two posteriorly positioned dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin.
The most distinctive traits of this plain-colored ray are the three parallel rows of large, hooked thorns that start from the middle of the back and run onto the tail.
