The Chola guitarfish (Rhinobatos holcorhynchus), a member of the Rhinobatidae family, is a cartilaginous fish found primarily in the coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean, especially along the coasts of India, Pakistan, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Recognizable by its flattened body and elongated, guitar-shaped snout, this species inhabits shallow sandy and muddy bottoms, making it susceptible to capture by trawl and gillnet fisheries. India is the leading country in harvesting Chola guitarfish, with significant landings reported from both the west and east coasts, followed by Pakistan and, to a lesser extent, Iran and Oman. The fish is valued for its meat and fins, which are exported to international markets, particularly in East Asia. However, intense fishing pressure, often as bycatch in multispecies fisheries, has led to concerns about population declines and the need for sustainable management practices in these key fishing nations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay | 70 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.