Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Giant guitarfish)

(Forsskål, 1775)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Batoidei > Rajiformes > Rhynchobatoidei > Family: Rhynchobatidae

Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Giant guitarfish) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

A large guitarfish with a pointed snout, 1st dorsal over pelvic fins, a short lower caudal lobe, large black eyespots on the pectoral bases, and rows of small white spots. Colour olive green above, white below, with a black and white cross mark between eyes.

Size

To 3.1 m TL.

Range

East coast, Knysna to Mozambique, uncommon south of kwaZulu-Natal; western Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Habitat

Close inshore and in shallow estuaries, surfline to 30 m.

Biology

Bears about 4 young in summer. Eats crabs, lobsters, bivalves and small fishes.

Human Impact

Prized by anglers for its size and powerful fight.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale