Redescription diagnosis includes a single enlarged mid-disc thorn row multiplying along the tail, rostral/nuchal/scapular thorns, short interdorsal space and pale dorsal fins and tail tip. Marine slope; redescription reports 510–622 m around Great Nicobar.
Wildlife education
This record supports wildlife education. Aquarium-care questions are not assigned to this profile.
Wildlife education profile; reviewed natural-history sources do not establish a captive operating protocol.
Wildlife reference; no home-aquarium stocking recommendation or validated captive operating protocol is supplied. Public-aquarium photographs document living animals, not suitability for private keeping.
Outstanding care evidence
- Institutional lifetime husbandry and veterinary protocol
Identification
Redescription diagnosis includes a single enlarged mid-disc thorn row multiplying along the tail, rostral/nuchal/scapular thorns, short interdorsal space and pale dorsal fins and tail tip.
Names and Classification
Valid marine species in the current Catalog of Fishes. Current family Gurgesiellidae supersedes older Rajidae/Anacanthobatidae placements in some sources.
Adult Size
Adult size and species maximum not verified; no number supplied.
Distribution and Habitat
Indian Ocean: Tanzania; Myanmar; Nicobar Islands (India). Marine slope; redescription reports 510–622 m around Great Nicobar.
Feeding and Ecological Role
Species-specific prey composition not verified. Bottom-associated marine skate. Species-specific movements and ecological interactions were not verified.
Reproduction and Life History
Egg-laying is reported in the species bibliography; species-specific fecundity and incubation period were not verified.
Conservation
Data Deficient (IUCN Red List global species assessment; 2019; checked 2026-10-17). Global category does not establish local abundance or stock condition.
Responsible Observation
Observe without chasing, feeding, touching or obstructing the animal. Keep fins and equipment off resting rays and sharks; give sawfishes and wedgefishes room to move. Follow the site’s local wildlife rules and use responsible dive operators.
About the Photographs
No freely reusable photograph of a verified living specimen was found in this search. The target of at least three photographs remains unmet. Dead or preserved specimens, drawings and uncertain identifications were excluded.
Aquarium Suitability
Wildlife education only. This marine elasmobranch is outside home-aquarium stocking and care guidance. Wild range and diet are not a captive operating protocol; this profile does not infer tank dimensions, water settings, acquisition advice or an institutional welfare plan.
Evidence Gaps
Evidence gaps include: Species-specific population size, longevity and complete reproductive schedule were not verified; Reliable adult size and biological maximum require primary verification; Tanzanian specimen identity needs verification in the redescription; catalogue listing is not treated as proof of that specimen identity.
A living record
Natural history, taxonomy and global conservation categories checked against the linked sources. Habitat measurements are not captive care settings. Each photograph has separate identity, living-status and rights evidence. Public content last reviewed October 17, 2026.
- Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes, updated 21 September 2026 ↗Reference source
- Species bibliography and original-literature links ↗Reference source
- Original IUCN assessment or primary specialist-group evidence ↗Reference source
- Global assessment or current catalogue conservation entry ↗Conservation authority
- Vinu et al.2017 redescription ↗Reference source
- Shark-References — species and taxonomic synonyms ↗Reference source