Abstract

In the present study, we documented rays from two families, Rhinopteridae and Gymnuridae, occurring in Pakistani waters. A total of 12 specimens were collected and examined between February 2017 and October 2021 from various localities along the Pakistani coastline. All specimens were preserved and housed in the Marine Biology Laboratory at the University of Karachi. Within Rhinopteridae, we identified Rhinoptera javanica and Rhinoptera jayakari, while Gymnuridae was represented by Gymnura poecilura and Gymnura zonura. These species are highly vulnerable due to their susceptibility to diverse fishing gears and their limited resilience to population depletion. Given the intense fishing pressure and inherent biological constraints, the adoption of urgent and effective conservation measures is imperative to avert further population reductions. All the species are briefly described and an identification key is provided for them which will support the overall systematic stability of butterfly and cownose rays in Pakistan and surrounding waters.

Keywords

gymnuridae, rhinopteridae, taxonomy, Pakistan, conservation, threats