Wedgefishes [Rhinidae]

Description

Rhinidae, also known as wedgefishes, are a family within the order Rhiniformes, resembling a mix between a shark and a ray. These species have a distinctly rhomboidal body shape, broad and flattened, with a pointed snout that gives them their common name. They inhabit mostly inshore waters and are demersal, living close to or on the seabed. Wedgefishes are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They feed on a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Wedgefishes are particularly known for their large size, with some species capable of reaching lengths of up to 3 meters. Like many marine species, they face threats from overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss, leading to a decline in their populations and the listing of several species as endangered.

Genera

Taxonomy