Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) at Sharjah Aquarium, UAE

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Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801) at Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates By: Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa

On the 18th of July 2008, I visited the newly opened Sharjah Aquarium in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, accompanied with my wife Ola and daughter Nora.

I saw “Nidal”, the Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801) swimming in the big tank.

“Nidal”, The Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) at Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah City.

Photo: Ola Mostafa Khalaf. 18.07.2008. www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/display/17739228 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801) : The bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider1801) is a member of the order of Rajiformes, being related to skates and rays. It is the only member of the genus Rhina. They are considered the “Pandas” of the aquatic world because they are so rare in any aquarium setting. There are less than 10 locations in the world with Bowmouth Guitarfish in exhibit.

Scientific Name : Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801.

Unambiguous Synonyms : 1.

2.

3.

4.

Rhina anclyostoma Bloch and Schneider, 1801 Rhina ancylostomus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 Rhina cyclostomus Swainson, 1839 Squatina ancyclostoma Bloch and Schneider, 1801.

Common English Names: Bowmouth Guitarfish, Bowmouth Wedgefish, Bow-Mouthed Angel Fish, Mud Skate, Shortnose Mud Skate, Shark Ray. German Names: Rundkopf-Geigenrochen, Bogenmaul-Geigenrochen, Geigenrochen, Hairochen.

Arabic Names: Samaket Al-Qithara that Al-Fam Al-Muqawas ‫ سمكة القيثارة ذات الفم المُقوس‬, Samak Warnak Al-Tyn ‫ سمك ورنك الطين‬, Samak Al-Shefneen Al-Qirsh ‫ سمك الشفنين القرش‬, Abu Kabus ‫ أبو كبوس‬, Al-Hreri thu Al-Fam Al-Muqawas ‫ الهريري ذو الفم المُقوس‬, Al-Bahloul ‫ البهلول‬.

Somali Names: Oolo-Oolo Tuurey.

Tamil Names: Mun-Ultava, Pula-Man Uluvai.

Sinhalese Names: Pulaman Oliya, Thitha Mora.

Malay Names: Yu Kemejan.

Rhina ancylostoma is a widely distributed Indo-west Pacific inshore species taken by multiple artisanal and commercial fisheries throughout its range both as a target species and as bycatch. Flesh is sold for human consumption in Asia and the fins from large animals fetch exceptionally high prices, creating a significant incentive for bycatch to be Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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retained. Very little is known about the biology or population status of this species, but it appears not to be common anywhere. Given its susceptibility to capture by multiple fishing gear types, including trawl nets, gillnets and hooks, and its high value fins, it is probable that numbers have been locally reduced by fishing throughout its range. Local population depletion can be inferred from Indonesia where the target gillnet fishery fleet for rhinids and rhynchobatids has declined significantly, reportedly due to declining catch rates. It is probable that the population will continue to decline, at least, until target fisheries become uneconomical. Habitat destruction is also thought to pose a significant threat to Rhina ancylostoma throughout much of its range. Thus, given its susceptibility to capture, high value fins, inferred and observed declines, and continual fisheries pressure placed across most of its range the species is assessed globally as Vulnerable.

There are no target fisheries for Rhina ancylostoma in Australia but it is a known bycatch of demersal trawl fisheries. The introduction of Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs) in some Australian trawl fisheries and the implementation of various elasmobranchfinning prohibitions, has probably led to a recent reduction in captures by this sector, hence the Near Threatened classification for this species in Australian waters, although the situation should be monitored due to the vulnerability of this species and the high value of its fins.

Range : Indo-west Pacific: East Africa (Red Sea to South Africa), Arabian Sea to Papua New Guinea, north to Japan, across northern Australia from Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia to New South Wales.

Countries (Native) : Australia (New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia); Bahrain; China; Djibouti; Egypt; Eritrea; India; Indonesia (Jawa, Kalimantan); Iran; Japan; Kenya; Korea; Kuwait; Malaysia; Mozambique; Oman; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Somalia; South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal); Sri Lanka; Sudan; Taiwan; Tanzania; Thailand; United Arab Emirates; Vietnam; Yemen.

Description : It is a large fish, growing up to 2.7 meter long and weighing up to 135 kilograms. The snout is round, and a spiny medial ridge runs down the body with lesser lateral ridges and thorns over the eyes, on the back and shoulders. The jaws have undulating ridges of crushing teeth. It is white underneath and grey or brown above with many white Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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spots on the body, fins and tail and black spots on the head. It is ovoviviparous. It does not have the distinctive ocelli of the giant guitarfish.

It is believed the name “Shark Ray” was derived from its shark like dorsal fins and ray like flat underside. Bowmouth Guitarfish have a rounded snout and a head that is distinctly separate from the pectoral fins (or the fins used for swimming). The Bowmouth Guitarfish looks “pre-historic” with horn like ridges along the head and back. They are born with unique leopard like spots on their backs that stay with them.

No two Bowmouth Guitarfish will have a spotted pattern that match.

Diet : The bowmouth guitarfish feeds on shrimps, crabs and shellfish.

Habitat and Ecology : Coastal distribution throughout the range, generally occurring close inshore and around coral reefs between 3 meters and 90 meter depth. R. ancylostoma occurs on or close to the seabed, mainly over sandy or muddy substrates, and associated with coral reefs and mangroves. Very little is known about the life history characteristics of this species, however, they grow to at least 270 cm (Compagno and Last, 1999), reproduce ovoviviparously and feed primarily on benthic crustaceans (Compagno and Last, 1999).

Further research on the biology and exploitation of this species is required.

Population : The R. ancylostoma population is thought to have decreased in parts of Indonesia (Chen, 1996) but its population status elsewhere is unclear.

Red List Category : Vulnerable.

Year Assessed : 2003.

Assessors : McAuley, R. and Compagno, L. J. V. (SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop, March 2003).

Evaluators : Fowler, S.; Kyne, P. M. and Cavanagh, R. D. (Shark Red List Authority).

Interaction with Man : The bowmouth guitarfish may be caught in trawls but is difficult to handle and may damage the catch. Only the pectoral fins are eaten; these are preserved by salting or drying or used fresh. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. A few are in public aquariums, such as the Sharjah Aquarium in Sharjah, U.A.E.; the Dubai Mall Aquarium in Dubai, U.A.E., and the Adventure Aquarium, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.A. Many Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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believe this particular species of fish to have been caught by Russian fishermen, and eaten, but not until after taking a video of the fish with a cell phone, then became the internet phenomenon known as the "Russian Alien Fish". The first breeding program for these is at the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky, USA.

Major Threats : Rhina anclyostoma is one of the target species of South East Asian rhinid and rhynchobatid gillnet fisheries, which are generally unregulated and catches are thought to be poorly recorded (Chen, 1996). The target gillnet fishery fleet in Indonesia declined from 500 boats in 1987 to 100 boats in 1996, reportedly due to declining catch rates (Chen, 1996). There are no target fisheries for this species in Australia. It is also taken as bycatch in numerous non-target fisheries due to its vulnerability to multiple gear types, including trawl-nets, gillnets and hooks (Stobutzki et al., 2002, Stephenson and Chidlow, 2003). Flesh is sold for human consumption in Asia and the fins from large animals fetch particularly high prices. Habitat degradation is also likely to be a threat to this species, particularly in Southern and South East Asia.

Habitat destruction and pollution are thought to pose a significant threat. Specifically, dynamite fishing, coral bleaching and siltation caused by deforestation may be reducing available habitat.

Conservation Actions : The introduction of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets of some Australian fisheries, has significantly reduced their capture of large elasmobranchs (Brewer et al., 1998), however TEDs are not mandatory in several trawl fisheries in northern Australian and are probably not widely used in other parts of this species‟ range. The introduction of TEDs in other Australian trawl fisheries is highly recommended for mitigating bycatch of this and other at risk elasmobranchs.

Finning of Rhynchobatids is also prohibited in some parts of Australia but there is thought be a continuing black market trade in their fins (Rose and McLoughlin, 2001).

The First Record from Dibba Bayah, Sultanate of Oman: On 8 August 2007, Mr. C. Chellapermal was alerted by the presence of a strange "ray" on the docks of Dibba Bayah Port, Sultanate of Oman (25 degree 36', 56 degree 17'E). It was a female, measuring a total length of 180 cm, with a broad, rounded snout, two Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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dorsal fins of which the first was above the pelvic fins, large high pectoral fins, and remarkable ridges of spiky thorns over the eyes and on the back and shoulders. Its colour was olive-grey above with numerous white spots on tide fins, upper body and tail, and white below. A faded black band could be seen between the two prominent spiracles behind the eyes. At first sight, it was identified as a species of "Angelshark" (Squatinidae). But unlike most Angelsharks, its pectoral and pelvic fins were not overlapping and its gills were located at the insertion of the pectoral fins to the head. Its mouth, with teeth in undulating rows, was situated well behind the snout, indicating bottom-dwelling feeding habits. After consulting published references (Compagno 1984, Randall 1995, Carpenter et al. 1997, Bonfil and Abdallah 2004) and the scientific online resource "FishBase" (Froese and Pauly 2007), the species was quickly identified as a Bowmouth Guitarfish or Shark Ray (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801). This benthic species inhabits coastal areas close inshore where it lives on sand and mud, feeding mainly on crustaceans and molluscs. Its distribution in the Indo-West Pacific ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to Japan, and south to New South Wales, Australia (Michael 1993, Compagno and Last 1999, Bonfil and Abdallah 2004). Being taken as a by-catch by demersal trawl fisheries, this species is classified as "Vulnerable" by IUCN (2007). The Bowmouth Guitarfish is said to be rare in the region and is even absent from published local fish fauna lists (Randall 1995, Carpenter et al. 1997, Field 2005, Hellyer and Aspinall 2005). Interviewed Omani fishermen mentioned that some individuals are caught from time to time, but that only the fins are used for human consumption (Tourenq, C.; Shuriqi, M. K.; Foster, K.; Foster, G.; Chellapermal, C. , 2008).

Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates : His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, opened the Sharjah Aquarium, on Friday 6th June 2008.

The aquarium, located in the Al Khan area, provides visitors to Sharjah with a wonderful and rare glimpse into the mysterious marine life of the United Arab Emirates. Visitors will discover the secrets of this precious aquatic world when they tour the aquarium and follow the paths through different marine ecosystems including those deep in the depths of the sea. There are more than 250 different native species, from the smallest clown fish and delicate seahorses to moray eels, rays and reef sharks living in different ecosystems like rock pools, coral reefs, lagoons and mangroves.

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The aquarium is among the best in the world with its state-of-the-art technology and underwater collection. The Sharjah Museums Department is dedicated to providing information about the fish, their lives and their habitats, and to this end, has complimented the showcases with documentaries on the marine life of the UAE, displayed on large, electronic screens.

The aquarium is also dedicated to the preservation of marine life and to learning more about reproductive and environmental issues according to the directives of His Highness, Ruler of Sharjah. At the end of the aquarium tour, for example, the visitor will see a display of mangrove trees, essential in preserving the environment. The aquarium also has a wonderful and comfortable area for visitors overlooking Al Khan Creek.

Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday: Closed.

Ticket Price: Adults 20 AED; Child (6 - 15 years) 10 AED; Child (5 years old & under) free; Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) 50 AED; Adults Groups (6 or more persons) 15 AED; Child Groups (6 or more persons) 5 AED.

References and Internet Websites : Adventure Aquarium. Ocean Realm. www.adventureaquarium.com/oceanrealm.cfm Anonymous (2003). Rhina ancylostoma Bowmouth Guitarfish. Fishbase.

Annali del Museo civico di storia naturale di Genova. Genova: Tip. del R. Istituto Sordo-Muti, 1870-1914. ITA. p. 252, p. 253.

Biblio Records for Rhina ancylostoma. http://fishbase.ifmgeomar.de/Biblio/BiblioSummaryList.php?ID=8729&GenusName=Rhina&SpeciesNa me=ancylostoma Bonfil, Ramon and Mohamed Abdallah (2004). Field identification guide to the sharks and rays of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. FAO Species Identification for Fishery Purposes. Rome, FAO. 2004. 71 p. 12 colour plates. http://books.google.de/books?id=IpX1CVGxsNYC&pg=PP5&lpg=PP5&dq=Bonfil,+R. ,+%26+M.+Abdallah+(2004).++for+Fishery&source=bl&ots=qw4zveNC8V&sig=dKub2 4i_uYjMlVgG7keQoN1oRds&hl=de&ei=U0wxS72tMs2LkAWz1GCCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepa ge&q=Bonfil%2C%20R.%2C%20%26%20M.%20Abdallah%20(2004).%20for%20Fishery& f=false Brewer, D.T., Rawlinson, N., Eayrs, S. and Burrige, C. (1998). An assessment of bycatch reduction devices in a tropical Australian prawn trawl fishery. Fish Research 36: 195Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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215.

Budker, P. (1971). The Life of Sharks. Columbia University Press, New York, 222 p. [A somewhat dated overview of shark biology and ecology].

Carpenter, K.E., F. Krupp, D.A. Jones and U. Zajonz (1997). FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. Living marine resources of Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. FAO, Rome. 293 p.

Carrier, J.C., J.A. Musick, and M.R. Heithaus (eds.). (2004). Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives. CRC Press, New York, 596 p. [Excellent review of shark and skate biology].

Castro, J.I. (1983). The Sharks of North American Waters. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, 180 p. [A good identification guide to sharks].

Chen, H.K. (ed.) (1996). An overview of shark trade in selected countries of Southeast Asia. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Petaling Jaya.

Compagno, L.J.V. (1984). Sharks of the World. An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Shark Species Known to Date. Part 1 - Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes. FAO Fisheries Synopsis 125, Vol. 4, Pt. 1. pp. 1-249. [THE definitive source for information on species and distributions of sharks].

Compagno, L.J.V. (1984). Sharks of the World. An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Shark Species Known to Date. Part 2 - Carcharhiniformes. FAO Fisheries Synopsis 125, Vol. 4, Pt. 2. pp. 251-655. [THE definitive source for information on species and distributions of sharks].

Compagno, L.J.V. (2001). Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Volume 2. Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes). FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes. No. 1, Vol. 2. Rome, FAO. 269p. [THE definitive source for information on species and distributions of sharks].

Compagno, L.J.V., M. Dando, and S. Fowler (2005). Sharks of the world. Princeton Field Guides, Princeton University Press, 368 p. [Excellent popular guide to shark species of the world].

Compagno, L.J.V. and P.R. Last (1999). Rhinidae (=Rhynchobatidae). Wedgefishes. pp.

1418-1422. In: K.E. Carpenter and V.H. Niem (eds.) FAO identification guide for fishery purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 3.

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Cousteau, Jacques-Yves and Philippe Cousteau (1970). The Shark: Splendid Savage of the Sea. Doubleday & Company, Inc., New York, 277 p. [Popular account of sharks with dated misconceptions].

Ellis, R. (1976). The Book of Sharks. New York; Grosset & Dunlap, 256 p. [Great illustrations].

Eschmeyer, William N., ed. (1998). Catalog of Fishes. Special Publication of the Center for Biodiversity Research and Information, no. 1, vol 1-3. California Academy of Sciences. San Francisco, California, USA. 2905. ISBN: 0-940228-47-5.

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Field, Richard F. (2005). Reef Fishes - UAE and Gulf of Oman. Motivate Publishing, Dubai. ISBN 1-86063-161-4. 144 pages. 303 colour plates.

Fishbase. Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Bowmouth guitarfish. www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=8729&genusname=Rhina&spe ciesname=ancylostoma Fishery bulletin / U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service. Washington, D.C.: The Service: ENG p. 808.

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Froese, Rainer and Daniel Pauly (Editors) (2007). Rhina ancylostoma. FishBase. www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=8729&genusname=Rhina&spe ciesname=ancylostoma Gloerfelt-Tarp, T. and P.J. Kailola (1984). Trawled fishes of southern Indonesia and northwestern Australia. Australian Development Assistance Bureau, Australia, Directorate General of Fishes, Indonesia, and German Agency for Technical Cooperation.

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Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 4-5. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1981). Fawa'ed Alasmak. (The Benefits of Fishes). AlGazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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Biology Magazine, Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. Number 1.

Sunday 7.6.1981, 5. Sha'ban 1401. pp. 54-55. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1982). Samak Al-Coelacanth (The Coelacanth Fish). AlBiology Magazine. Number 2. February 1982. Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 14-15. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman (Translator) (1982). Al-Miah Al-Mulawatha Tohaded Al-Asmak Bi‟ilinqiraad (Water Pollution threatens the Fish Fauna with Extinction). Al-Biology Bulletin. Number 18, Third Year, First Semester, Saturday 6.11.1982. Biological Society, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. pp. 7. (Translation from German into Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali (1983). Al-Samaka Al-„Auljumiyah Al-Naqaqa fi Al-Khaleej AlArabi [The Toad Fish (Batrachus grunniens) in the Arabian Gulf]. Bulletin of the Biological Studies Club, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait. First Year, Number 3, 23 November 1983. pp. 10-11. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali (Translator) (1983). Al-Tasjeel Al-Hay Al-Awal li-Samaket Kozat Al-Snobar (Monocentris japonicus, Houttuyn) min Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar [The Pinecone Fish (Monocentris japonicus, Houttuyn), A First Live Record from the Red Sea] by: Chaim Kropach. Bulletin of the Biological Studies Club, Kuwait University, State of Kuwait.

First Year, Number 4, 7.12.1983. pp. 6-8. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali B. (1986). The Schooling of Fishes. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 9. Fourth Year. Ramadan 1406. May 1986. Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom. pp. 1-13.

Khalaf, Norman Ali B. (1986). The Fish Fauna in Van Mildert Pond, Durham City, North East England. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 9. Fourth Year.

Ramadan 1406. May 1986. Department of Zoology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom. pp. 14-20.

Khalaf, N. A. B. (1986). The Schooling of Sumatra Barbs (Barbus tetrazona tetrazona) and Minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). Dissertation, Master of Science in Ecology, Departments of Zoology and Botany, University of Durham, England. September 1986. pps. 59 + iv.

Khalaf, Norman Ali B. (1987). The Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) in the Science and Natural History Museum, State of Kuwait. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin.

Number 15. Fifth Year. July 1987. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Germany. pp. 1-8.

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1987). On a Collection of Devon Period Animal Fossils from the Saarland, in the Geologische Museum Saarberg in Saarbrücken, Germany.

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 15, Fifth Year, Thul Qi‟dah 1407 AH, July 1987 AD. pp. 9-10.

Khalaf, Norman Ali B. (1987). The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) from the State of Kuwait, Arabian Gulf. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 16.

Fifth Year. Safar 1408 AH. September 1987 AD. Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Federal Republic of Germany. pp. 1-7.

Khalaf, Norman Ali (1989). Qa‟ema li-ba‟d Asmak Al-Kuwait fi Al-Mathaf Al-„Ilmi BiDawlat Al-Kuwait (A List of some Kuwaiti Fishes from the Science & Natural History Museum, State of Kuwait). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 19.

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Seventh Year. December 1989. Bonn 2-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. pp. 3. (In Arabic and English).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). A Trip to Zoo Budapest, Hungary.

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 21, Ninth Year, January 1991. pp. 1-4.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). The Gulf War and its effect on the Arabian Ecosystem (Part One). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 23, Ninth Year, July 1991. pp. 1-12.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). The Gulf War and its effect on the Arabian Ecosystem (Part Two). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 24, Ninth Year, August 1991. pp. 110.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1991). The Gulf War and its effect on the Arabian Ecosystem (Part Three). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 25, Ninth Year, September 1991. pp.

1-7.

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). Notes on the Biological Ecology of the Marshes in Southern Iraq. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 29, Tenth Year, September 1992. pp. 1-9. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). The United Nations Ecological Report confirms: The Regime of Saddam is destroying the Marshes (Al-Ahwar) Ecosystem. Sawt Al-Kuwait International Newspaper. Saturday 17 October 1992, 21 Rabi‟e Al-Thani 1412. pp. 15. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1992). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Gazelle. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Federal Republic of Germany. Number 30, Tenth Year, October 1992. pp. 1-7. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali B. (1993). Al-Mushkilatan Al-Ma‟eyah wa Al-Bi‟eyah fi Al-Dafah Al-Gharbiyah wa Qita‟ Ghaza Al-Muhtalain (Ka-Juzu‟ min Al-Sharq AlAwsat) [The Water and the Ecological Problems in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip (As Part of the Middle East)]. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 31. Eleventh Year. December 1993. Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany. pp. 1- 29. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1994). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Shqae‟q Al-Nouma‟n (Anemone coronaria). A Quarterly Magazine Issued by the Program EAI (Education for Awareness and for Involvement). Environmental Education / Children for Nature Protection. In Cooperation with Dept. of General and Higher Education. P.L.O., Palestine. Number 4. Huzairan (June) 1994. pp. 16-21. (In Arabic).

Acquaintance Card: Majallet Al-Ghazzal (Gazelle Magazine): The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Bonn, Germany. Shqae‟q Al-Nouma‟n (Anemone coronaria). A Quarterly Magazine Issued by the Program EAI (Education for Awareness and for Involvement).

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Environmental Education / Children for Nature Protection. In Cooperation with Dept. of General and Higher Education. P.L.O., Palestine. Number 4. Huzairan (June) 1994. pp. 51-52. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali B.(1995). Alasmak fi Filistin (Die Fische von Palästina / The Fishes of Palestine). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 33.

Thirteenth Year. December 1995. Bonn, Germany. pp.1-35. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Ali Bassam (1997). Amir Al-Bahar Al-Arabi (The Arabian Sea Prince) Shihab AlDeen Ahmad Bin Majed. Magazin der Akademie. Nummer 1. Zu Elke‟da 1417 H, März 1997. König Fahad Akademie – Bonn, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Deutschland. pp. 23-24. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam (2001). The Extinct and Endangered Animals in Palestine.

In: Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin Home Page. Extinct and Endangered Animals and Reintroduction. http://gazelle.8m.net/photo3.html Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit Juni 2001).

Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Wale und Delphine. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Wale_und_Delphine/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2004). Gazelle: Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin.

Eine Wissenschaftliche Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2004. / Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. A Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2004. Erste Auflage / First Edition, Juli 2004: 452 Seiten / Pages. Zweite erweiterte Auflage (Second Extended Edition), August 2004: 460 Seiten / Pages. Norman Ali Khalaf, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. ISBN 3-00-014121-9. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Der Komoren-Quastenflosser (Latimeria chalumnae) und der Manado-Quastenflosser (Latimeria menadoensis). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 38. Twenty Third Year. February 2005. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. pp. 1-8. http://www.quastenflosser.webs.com/ & http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Quastenflosser/message/7 Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Fish.

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 38, Twenty-third Year, February 2005. pp. 14-15.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Moses Perch (Lutjanus russelli, Bleeker 1849).

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 38, Twenty-third Year, February 2005. pp. 15.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Fish of Musa (Samak Musa). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 38, Twentythird Year, February 2005. pp. 16.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Samak Al-Luchs (Al-Hamoor) or the OrangeSpotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) in Palestine (Mediterranean Sea) and the United Arab Emirates (Arabian Gulf). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twenty-third Year, March 2005. pp. 1-6.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Jaffa (Yaffa): The History of an Old Palestinian Arab City on the Mediterranean Sea. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin.

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Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twenty-third Year, March 2005. pp. 7-8.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Andromeda Sea Monster of Jaffa. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twentythird Year, March 2005. pp. 8.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Jewfish (Epinephelus itajara) / Der Riesenzackenbarsch oder Judenfisch (Epinephelus itajara). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twenty-third Year, March 2005. pp. 9-12.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Arabian Freshwater Fishes in the Arabia‟s Wildlife Centre, Sharjah Desert Park, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 40, Twenty-third Year, April 2005. pp. 1-9.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://emirati-blind-cavefish.webs.com/arabianfreshwaterfish.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (Gründer) (seit Juni 2005). Der Quastenflosser: Coelacanth Latimeria Yahoo! Deutschland Group. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Quastenflosser/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Koran Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus, Cuvier, 1831). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 44. Twenty-third Year. August 2005. Jamada Alakhira 1426. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. pp. 1-8. http://koran-angelfish.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Aquatica Arabica. An Aquatic Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980 - 2005 / Aquatica Arabica. Eine Aquatische Wissenschaftliche Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980 - 2005. Erste Auflage / First Edition, August 2005: 376 Seiten / Pages. Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

ISBN 3-00-014835-3. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/aquaticaarabica.htm Khalaf, N.A.B. (2005). The Schooling of Sumatra Barbs (Barbus tetrazona tetrazona) and Minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). [M.Sc. Dissertation in Ecology, Departments of Zoology and Botany, University of Durham, England. September 1986. pps. 59 + iv]. In: Aquatica Arabica. An Aquatic Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1980 2005. Erste Auflage, August 2005. Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. pp. 28-93.

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Rafah Zoo in the Rafah Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip, Palestine : A Story of Destruction by the Israeli Occupation Army. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 46, Twenty-third Year, October 2005, Ramadan 1426. pp. 1-11. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (2005). The Qalqilia Zoo and the Natural History Museum in the City of Qalqilia, West Bank, Occupied Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 47, Twenty-third Year, November 2005, Shawal 1426. pp. 1-10. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (In Arabic).

Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (Member of PALESTA) (2005). Palestinian Scientists and Technologists Abroad (PALESTA). Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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Bulletin. Number 47, Twenty-third Year, November 2005, Shawal 1426. pp. 11-12.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (In Arabic).

Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006). Eine Persönlichkeit aus Jaffa, Palästina / A Personality from Jaffa, Palestine: Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf (Abu Ali) (1938-2006).

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 56, Twenty-fourth Year, August 2006. pp. 8-19. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://bassam-ali-taherkhalaf.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2006). Ein Besuch im Neunkircher Zoo, Neunkirchen, Saarland, Deutschland / A Visit to Neunkirchen Zoo, Neunkirchen, Saarland, Germany. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 59, November 2006. pp. 1-25. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (in Arabisch / Arabic). http://khalaf.homepage24.de/text_88839638_85658724_59480041_deutsch.html Khalaf, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Zum 1. Todestag : Eine Persönlichkeit aus Jaffa, Palästina / The First Death Anniversary : A Personality from Jaffa, Palestine : Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf (Abu Ali) (1938-2006). Gazelle: Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin. Nummer 62, Februar 2007, Muharram 1428 AH. Seite 11. Sharjah, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate. http://bassam-ali-taher-khalaf.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit Juni 2007).

Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Fauna Palaestina. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Palaestina/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit August 2007). Haie – Sharks Yahoo! Deutschland Group. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Haie_Sharks/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (Gründer) (seit September 2007). Yahoo! Deutschland Group: Fauna Arabica. http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fauna_Arabica/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Haywanat Filistin (Fauna of Palestine). Wikipedia, Al-Mawsu'a Al-Hurra (The Free Encyclopedia).

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 69, Twenty-fifth Year, September 2007 CE, Sha‟ban 1428 AH. pp. 1-4. (in Arabic). http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7 %D8%AA_%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). A Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) caught off the Kuwaiti Coast: The Second Record from the State of Kuwait, Arabian / Persian Gulf. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 71, November 2007. pp. 1-20. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

(Abstracts in English and Arabic). http://whaleshark.webs.com/whalesharkinkuwait.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Rhiniodon typus Smith, 1828 or Rhincodon typus Smith, 1829: The Story of a Scientific Name.

Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 71, November 2007. pp. 21.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://whale-shark.webs.com/rhiniodontypus.htm Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Whale Sharks Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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in Palestinian Waters: A Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) rescued near the Tantura Beach, Carmel Coast, North Palestine: The First Record from the Palestinian Mediterranean Coast. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 71, November 2007. pp. 22-23. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Abstracts in English and Arabic). http://whale-shark.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Whale Sharks in Palestinian Waters: Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) near Um Al-Rashrash (Eilat) Beach, Gulf of Aqaba, South Palestine: First Records from the Palestinian Red Sea Coast. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 71, November 2007. pp. 2326. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Abstract in English and Arabic). http://whaleshark.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). An Ocean Sunfish or Common Mola (Mola mola, Linnaeus 1758) caught off the coast of Gaza: The First Record from Palestine, East Mediterranean Sea. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 72, December 2007, pp. 1-16. (Abstracts in English and Arabic). http://gaza-sunfish.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2008). Cetacea Palaestina: The Whales and Dolphins in Palestinian Waters. Cetacean Species Guide for Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 83, November 2008, Thu Al-Qi‟ada 1429 AH. pp. 1-14. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://cetaceapalaestina.webs.com/ Khalaf, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Zum 3. Todestag : Eine Persönlichkeit aus Jaffa, Palästina / The Third Death Anniversary : A Personality from Jaffa, Palestine : Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf (Abu Ali) (1938-2006). Gazelle: Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin. Nummer 86, Februar 2009, Safar 1430 AH. Seite 21. Sharjah, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate. http://bassam-ali-taherkhalaf.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). A Longcomb Sawfish (Pristis zijsron Bleeker, 1851) caught off the coast of Dibba, United Arab Emirates, Gulf of Oman. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 88, April 2009, Rabi‟e Al Thani 1430 AH. pp. 1-14. http://dibba-sawfish.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr.Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Garra barreimiae wurayahi Khalaf, 2009 : A New Blind Cave Fish Subspecies from Wadi Al Wurayah Pools, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 90, June 2009, Jumada Al-Akhera 1430 AH. pp. 1-15. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://emirati-blind-cavefish.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Flora and Fauna in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288.

Number 91, July 2009, Rajab 1430 AH. pp. 1-31. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://flora-fauna-palestine.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi Khalaf, 2009 : A New Mozambique Tilapia Subspecies from Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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Wadi Al Wurayah Pools, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 92, August 2009, Sha‟ban 1430 AH. pp. 1-25. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://emirati-tilapia.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2009). Fauna Palaestina – Part One. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2006 / Fauna Palaestina – Teil Eins. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2006. ISBN 978-9948-03-865-8. Erste Auflage/First Edition, September 2009: 412 Seiten/Pages. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart1.htm Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Zoologist, Ecologist and Geologist : The Scientific References (1980-2009). http://dr-norman-ali-khalafreferences.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801) at Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288.

Twenty-seventh Year, Number 93, September 2009, Ramadan 1430 AH. pp. 1-18. http://bowmouth-guitarfish-emirates.webs.com/bowmouthguitarfishuae.htm Khalaf, Ola Mostafa (Fotografin) (2008). Rundkopf-Geigenrochen (Rhina ancylostoma), Sharjah Aquarium, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate. Foto: 18.07.2008. www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1213310/display/17739228 Kuwait Marine Life. Asmak Al-Guitar (Al-Hreri). (In Arabic). http://kuwaitmarinelife.com/?p=46 Last, P.R. and Stevens, J.D. (1994). Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO, Australia.

Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno and T. Yoshino (1984). The fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Vol. 1 (text). Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan. 437 p. (text), 370 pls.

McAuley, R. & Compagno, L. J. V. (2003). Rhina ancylostoma. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Michael, S. W. (1993). Reef Sharks and Rays of the World. A Guide to their identification, behavior, and ecology. Petaluma, California: Sea Challengers. 107p.

Nguyen Huu Phung and Tran Hoai Lan (1994). Checklist of marine fishes in Vietnam.

Vol. 1. Amphioxi and Chondrichthyes. Science and Technics Publishing House, Vietnam. Proceedings of the United States National Museum. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, ENG p. 643.

Norman, J. R. and F. C. Fraser (1949). Field book of giant fishes. With 8 plates in full color and over 100 drawings by W. P. C. Tenison. New York, G. P. Putnam [1949] ENG p. 357, p. 58.

Randall, J.E. (1995). Coastal fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 439 p.

Randall, J.E. and C. Anderson (1993). Annotated checklist of the epipelagic and shore fishes of the Maldives Islands. Ichthyol. Bull. of the J.L.B. Smith Inst. of Ichthyol. 59:47.

Rhina ancylostoma. www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41848/0 Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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Rhina ancylostoma (Bow-Mouthed Angel Fish). http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/R/Rhina_ancylostoma/ Rose, C. and McLoughlin, K. (2001). Review of Shark Finning in Australian Fisheries.

Final Report to the Fisheries Resources Research Fund. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.

Sharjah Aquarium. http://www.sharjahaquarium.ae/ Sharjah Museums (Friday, 06/06/2008). 30 species of fish are on display at Sharjah Aquarium with plans for more. The Ruler of Sharjah opened Sharjah Aquarium. Sharjah Museums. www.sharjahmuseums.ae/SMDWebsite/News/30-species-of-fish-are-ondisplay-at-Sharjah-Aquar.aspx Shark References. Compiled by: George H. Burgess. Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL 32611. www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/References/references.htm Shark Specialist Group. http://www.iucnssg.org/ Shark-fin traders thrive in UAE. www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-news/menusharks/1831-shark-fin-traders-thrive-in-uae.html Shen, S.C. (ed.) (1993). Fishes of Taiwan. Department of Zoology, National Taiwan University, Taipei. 960 p.

Smith, J.L.B. and M.M. Smith (1963). The fishes of Seychelles. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. 215 p.

Sommer, C., W. Schneider and J.-M. Poutiers (1996). FAO species identification field guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of Somalia. FAO, Rome. 376 p.

Stephenson, P. and Chidlow, J. (2003). By-catch in the Pilbara Trawl Fishery. Final report to Natural Heritage Trust, 74 pp.

Stobutzki, I.C.; Miller, M.J.; Heales, D.S. and Brewer, D.T. (2002). Sustainability of elasmobranches caught as bycatch in a tropical prawn (shrimp) trawl fishery. Fishery Bulletin, 100: 800-821.

Tee-Van, John (Editor-in-chief). Fishes of the western North Atlantic. New Haven, Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale Univ., 1948- ENG p. 45.

The Journal of the College of Science, Imperial University of Tokyo, Japan = Tokyo Teikoku Daigaku kiyo. Rika. Tokyo, Japan: The University, 1898-1925. ENG. p. 25.

Tourenq, C.; Shuriqi, M. K.; Foster, K.; Foster, G.; Chellapermal, C. (2008). First record of a Bowmouth Guitarfish, Rhina ancylostoma, in Northern Oman, with an up-date on the status of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in the United Arab Emirates. Zoology in the Middle East . 2008.Vol. 44. http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/NSTLQK_NSTL_QK17973198.aspx & www.kasparekverlag.de/ZME-contents26-50.htm Wantiez, L. (1993). Les poissons des fonds meubles du lagon Nord et de la Baie de Saint-Vincent de Nouvelle-Calédonie: Description des peuplements, structure et fonctionnement des communautés. Ph.D. Thesis, Université d' Aix-Marseille II, France.

Wikipedia. Bowmouth guitarfish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowmouth_guitarfish Wikipedia.

Rundkopf-Geigenrochen. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/RundkopfGeigenrochen Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009

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A Juvenile Bowmouth Guitarfish or Shark Ray. www.dpi.qld.gov.au/images/Fisheries_SpeciesIdentification/SharkID-Shark-Ray-features600.jpg

The Jaws of a Shark Ray. www.boneclones.com/images/bc-234-lg.jpg Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 93 – September 2009