Fin's Fish Guide
The Common guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 185 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Description
The common guitarfish is a guitarfish of the family Rhinobatidae reaching about 185 cm long. It forms a transition between shark and ray: the front is flattened and heart-shaped with a pointed, translucent snout, while the rear body is sturdy and shark-like, with two dorsal fins and a powerful tail. The upper side is plain grey-brown with a pale belly. Unlike stingrays it lacks a venomous spine. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water, where it often lies half-buried. On the bottom it searches for crabs, shrimps, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish, which it crushes with flat tooth plates. Through heavy fishing and bycatch it has declined sharply and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common guitarfish?
The Common guitarfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Transitional form between shark and ray: a flattened, heart-shaped front with a pointed snout merges into a sturdy, shark-like hind body with two dorsal fins.
Where does the Common guitarfish live?
The Common 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 in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Common guitarfish get?
The Common guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 185 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Common guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common 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 Common guitarfish edible?
Yes, the Common guitarfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common guitarfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhinobatos
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Common guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.