Birth and growth of the shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae) in captivity

Abstract

Endemic to the south‐west Atlantic Ocean, the shortnose guitarfish (Zapteryx brevirostris) is a small species, classified as endangered by the IUCN. Although reproduction in captivity has been successful for some species, a range of factors can limit the success of captive breeding programmes for elasmobranchs. In Brazil, the Ubatuba Aquarium was the first public aquarium to reproduce small‐sized elasmobranchs. Since 2018, at least five parturition events have been recorded for Z. brevirostris at the institution. From a total of 13 live neonates that rearing was attempted, the mean ± standard error of weight, total length (TL) and disc width at birth were 17.47 ± 1.6 g, 13.25 ± 0.7 cm and 6.53 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. The mean weight as well as mean TL were higher for females at all births, with 26.15 g and 15.07 cm for females in comparison with 17.09 g and 13.94 cm for males. Considering the increasing risk of extinction that the species is facing, age and growth studies are fundamental for the success of conservation, improving the knowledge of Z. brevirostris life cycle so that a more efficient and sustainable management can be carried out. This study provides important data, as well as directions for captive breeding of the species.

Life‐history traits of an exploited skate: The short‐tail yellownose skate Zearaja brevicaudata (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes)

“…Overall, elasmobranch species tend to exhibit a relationship between a marked sexual dimorphism in growth and viviparity as the reproductive mode (Ebert et al, 2008). Females typically experience slower growth rates and attain larger sizes and older ages than males (Baje et al, 2018; Dale & Holland, 2012; Maganhe et al, 2023). Skates exhibit an oviparous reproductive mode, characterized by the production of fertilized egg capsules and subsequent oviposition on the seabed.…”

Enterolith with a bonefish spine nidus in a Brazilian cownose ray Rhinoptera brasiliensis (Müller & Henle) (Myliobatiformes: Rhinopteridae)

“…Studies on the maintenance of elasmobranchs in captivity have provided important improvements in knowledge and in providing better conditions for these fish (Camilo et al., 2023; Cavalcanti et al., 2016; Maganhe et al., 2022). Despite the alarming conservation status and the popularity of Rhinoptera species in public aquariums, there are only a few studies regarding metabolic disorders, especially those involving nutritional aspects.…”

Andrology of shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) (Chondrichthyes, Trygonorrhinidae)

“…148, of 7 June 2022) (MMA, 2022). This is due to the fact that shortnose guitarfish is categorized as “k strategist,” and it is captured as by‐catch in artisanal fisheries (Bornatowski et al ., 2009; Costa & Chaves, 2006; Maganhe et al ., 2022; Robert, 2012).…”