Banded guitarfish skull (Zapteryx exasperata).

This is a beautifully prepared and mounted skull of a banded guitarfish Zapteryx exasperata.

The banded guitarfish is an elasmobranch related to the rays although the body shape is half way between rays and typical shark form. Their diet is animals living in the sand and mud such as crabs and shellfish. As you can see on the jaws of this skull, the teeth are flattened for crushing hard shells.

This skull has come from a specimen that was caught for scientific research.

The skull measures approximately 9cm long by 6cm high. The dome and base are approximately 19cm high and 11.5cm in diameter.

Another unusual and intriguing looking skull and a great addition to a collection.