First record and taxonomic descriptions of a critically endangered species of guitarfish (Glaucostegus granulatus) from southwest coast of Gujarat, India

Chondrichthyan fishes, a resilient taxonomic assemblage encompassing sharks, skates, rays, and chimeras, have exhibited enduring success in diverse ecosystems over a span exceeding 400 million years. Despite their long-standing evolutionary efficacy, a myriad of species, including the shovelnose guitarfish (Glaucostegus granulatus), confront an escalating peril of extinction attributed to anthropogenic factors, notably overfishing. According to the latest assessment, it is a critically endangered species. Guitarfishes, constituents of the order Rhinopristiformes, pertain to the family Glaucostegidae. The present study reported the first record of guitarfish G. granulatus from the Umargaon fish landing center. A single specimen was caught in the bottom trawl net around the southwest coast of Gujarat. The total length of the specimen was 50.4 cm and the weight of 203 gms. A total of 31 morphometric parameters were closely observed and recorded for the taxonomic identification and confirmation of the species. Previously G. granulatus has been reported from Okha, Porbandar, Mangrol, and Veraval fishing harbours along the northwest coast of Gujarat.