Salalah guitarfish
Acroteriobatus salalah
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Salalah guitarfish (Acroteriobatus salalah) is a medium‑sized ray‑like fish found on sandy and muddy bottoms along the Omani coast. It reaches up to 78 cm and is sought after for its mild flesh and the challenge of locating its camouflaged habitat.
Basic Information
Family
Rhinobatidae
Max Size
78 cm
Habitat
marine
Climate
tropical
Best Season
October to March (cooler winter months)
Best Time
Early morning and late evening (low light conditions)
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Salalah guitarfish
- Use light to medium action rods (7‑8 ft) with a 6‑10 lb test line
- Present natural baits such as live shrimp, small crabs, or cut fish near the bottom
- Drift or slow‑troll over known sand‑flat areas and keep the lure or bait just above the seabed
- Set the hook gently; guitarfish have soft mouths and can tear hooks if pulled hard
Top Fishing Locations for Salalah guitarfish
Salalah Coastal Flats
OmanWide sandy flats just south of Salalah harbor; shallow waters where the species aggregates during spawning season.
Best: Nov-Feb
Masirah Sandy Shoals
OmanRemote sandy shoals off Masirah Island, known for regular sightings of guitarfish in the tidal channels.
Best: Oct-Jan
Socotra Western Lagoon
YemenLagoonal waters on the western coast of Socotra with soft sediment beds that attract the guitarfish during the cooler months.
Best: Mar-Jun
Lamu Bay
KenyaProtected bay near Lamu town; shallow coastal flats and mangrove-lined channels provide ideal habitat.
Best: Jun-Aug
Nungwi Reef Edge
TanzaniaSandy edges of the Nungwi reef where currents bring in small pelagics, drawing the guitarfish to feed.
Best: Sep-Nov
Baa Atoll Sandbars
MaldivesIsolated sandbars in Baa Atoll; accessible only via liveaboard, offering pristine habitats with low fishing pressure.
Best: Dec-Feb
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Salalah guitarfish
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, or fresh cut fish pieces