Author: (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880)
FBname: Banded guitarfish
Comments: Generally in rocky areas mainly shallower than 10 m, moves offshore onto soft bottoms in autumn and winter; but may also be found on sandy bottoms (Ref. 37955, Ref. 114953).  Reported from tide pools (Ref. 12951).  Relatively docile, harmless rays that are easily approached by divers (Ref. 48844).  Feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans (Ref. 37955). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449), with 4 to 11 pups in a litter (Ref. 51576). Maturity size of males at 64-70 cm TL, females at 57-77 cm TL; birth size at 15-18 cm TL (Ref. 114953).  Seldom buries itself in sand. This species is a commercially important part of artisanal fisheries (Ref. 114953).
   Etymology: The genus name comes from the Greek <i>za</i>, meaning intensive, and <i>pteryx</i>, meaning fin, in reference to the vertical fins being larger than those of skates. The species name comes from Latin, meaning made rough, in reference to the numerous stellate prickles on its back. (Ref. 48844).