Rhinobatidae

noun

Distribution: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans mostly in tropical coastal waters (rarely entering estuaries and freshwater). Body form intermediate between that of a shark and a skate. Also called shovelnose sharks. Numerous small, blunt teeth in jaws. Two large dorsal fins; origin of first dorsal behind pelvics; caudal fin well developed. Denticles arranged in a row on dorsal midline. No spine in tail. They reach moderate to large size and are important commercial species in many coastal nations. Ovoviviparous, young born fully developed. Feed on bottom organisms, including molluscs and crustaceans, but will also take small fishes.

The family Rhinobatidae belongs to the Class Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) and the Order Rajiformes. It contains 7 genera and 45 species. It may be found in Marine, Brackish, and Freshwater environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are bearers. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is rajiform. Members of this family have been dated back to the Jurassic period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, rhinos = nose + Greek, batis, -idos = a ray