The Pacific guitarfish (Pseudobatos planiceps) is a cartilaginous fish found along the Pacific coasts of North and Central America, from California to Peru. Resembling a cross between a shark and a ray, it inhabits shallow coastal waters and sandy bottoms. The species is primarily caught as bycatch in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries, often using gillnets and trawls. The top countries harvesting Pacific guitarfish are Mexico and Peru, where the fish is utilized for its meat and sometimes for export. In Mexico, especially along the Gulf of California, guitarfish are a significant part of local fisheries, while in Peru, they are commonly landed in coastal markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation have raised concerns about the sustainability of guitarfish populations, prompting some management measures in recent years.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peru | 180 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.