Rhynchobatus laevis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoothnose_wedgefish
Overview
The smoothnose wedgefish is a species of fish in the Rhinidae family. It is found in northern Indian Ocean and northwestern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf east to Bangladesh, and South China Sea to southern Japan. Populations elsewhere are now recognized as separate species. Its natural habitat is shallow coastal seas and off the mouths of rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss and overfishing.
Rhynchobatus laevis faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure across its Indo-Pacific range. The species is highly vulnerable to both targeted fisheries and bycatch in trawl and gillnet operations, with its large size and slow reproductive rate making recovery extremely difficult. Habitat degradation in coastal waters and continued demand for its fins and meat in Asian markets further compound the threats to this critically endangered ray.
Habitat
Rhynchobatus laevis inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific, typically found on sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow seas and estuaries. The species prefers depths ranging from nearshore waters to approximately 60 meters, often occurring in areas with soft substrates where it can bury itself while foraging.
