LAUSR

Endemic to the south-west Atlantic Ocean, the shortnose guitarfish (Zapteryx brevirostris) is a small species, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While reproduction in captivity has been successful for some species, a range of factors can limit the success of captive breeding programs for elasmobranchs. In Brazil, the Ubatuba Aquarium was the first public aquarium to reproduce small-sized elasmobranchs. Since 2018, at least 5 parturition events were recorded for Z. brevirostris at the institution. From a total of 13 live neonates that rearing was attempted, the mean ± standard error of weight, total length and disc width at birth were 17.47 ± 1.6g, 13.25 ±0.7cm and 6.53 ± 0.2cm, respectively. The mean weight as well as mean TL were higher for females at all births, with 26.15g and 15.07cm for females in comparison with 17.09g and 13.94cm for males. Considering the increasing risk of extinction that the species is facing, age and growth studies are fundamental for the success of conservation, improving the knowledge of Zapteryx brevirostris life cycle so that a more efficient and sustainable management can be carried out. This study provides important data, as well as directions for captive breeding of the species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.