Mozambique guitarfish, a new cartilaginous species

The Ocean Census initiative has added a new species to its records: the Mozambique guitarfish. This cartilaginous fish, with a flattened body and prehistoric appearance, was found during recent expeditions in the Indian Ocean. Its discovery provides data on the biodiversity of little-explored seabeds.

A Mozambique guitarfish with a flattened body and prehistoric appearance, with wide wing-like fins, rests on the sandy bottom of the Indian Ocean. Its mottled skin in brown and gray tones camouflages among rocks and corals. The dim light of the water creates soft shadows, highlighting its primitive shape. In the background, a school of small fish fades into the blue twilight, suggesting a little-explored ecosystem.

Mapping technology and DNA to catalog the unknown 🧬

The identification of this species was supported by genetic analysis and high-resolution bathymetric mapping systems. The teams used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to film and collect samples at depths where human diving cannot reach. Comparison of DNA sequences with other guitarfish confirmed that it is a distinct lineage, not previously described in scientific guides.

The ray that arrives late to the fame party 🎉

While humans argue about which species we will drive extinct tomorrow, this guitarfish has just found out it exists. It has been swimming peacefully for years, without asking permission, and now it turns out to be news. It is surely already thinking about how to avoid fishing nets and divers' selfies. Welcome to the club of species with a proper name.