Halavi Guitarfish

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 50449).

Found inshore. Feeds on small mollusks and bony fishes.

A benthic species often found in very shallow water near the coast and offshore on the continental shelf (Ref. 9909, Ref.114953). Feed on small mollusks and bony fishes (Ref. 12951). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Produces up to 10 pups a litter, mainly from May to October (in the Red Sea region) (Ref. 114953). Size at least 171 cm TL. Males matures at ca. 83 cm TL, birth size at ca. 29 cm TL (Ref.114953). Utilized where it occurs but information lacking (Ref. 9909).

The halavi guitarfish (Glaucostegus halavi) is a species of ray found in the Indo-West Pacific (Red Sea to Gulf of Oman, with unconfirmed records in the area east of Oman). Recorded twice, in 1997 and 2004, in the levantine waters, the question of its permanent settlement in the Mediterranean Sea remains open. Its name is derived from the Arabic word حلاوي (halawi).

It feeds on small molluscs and bony fishes.