Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackchin guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) is a saltwater fish of the family Glaucostegidae that grows up to 242 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries.
Description
The blackchin guitarfish is a large giant guitarfish of the family Glaucostegidae reaching about 2.4 metres long. It forms a transition between shark and ray: the front is flattened, with a long, pointed, translucent snout bearing a dark spot at the tip (the 'black chin'), while the rear body is sturdy and shark-like, with two dorsal fins and a powerful tail. Unlike stingrays it lacks a venomous spine. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On the bottom it crushes crabs, shrimps, molluscs and small fish. Through heavy fishing - partly for the fin trade - it has declined sharply and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackchin guitarfish?
The Blackchin guitarfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large giant guitarfish with a long, pointed, translucent snout and a dark blotch on the tip of the snout (the 'black chin').
Where does the Blackchin guitarfish live?
The Blackchin guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries.
How big does the Blackchin guitarfish get?
The Blackchin guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 242 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Blackchin guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackchin guitarfish is harmless to humans. Unlike stingrays a guitarfish has no venomous tail spine and is harmless; the rough skin can abrade, however.
Is the Blackchin guitarfish edible?
Yes, the Blackchin guitarfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Glaucostegus
Want the complete picture on the Blackchin guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackchin guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.