Fin's Fish Guide
The Giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Rhinidae that grows up to 310 cm.
Description
The giant guitarfish, also called the whitespotted wedgefish, is a large ray-like fish of the family Rhinidae from the western Indian Ocean. The species can reach over three metres and has a wedge-shaped, flattened front with the disc and a muscular, shark-like tail with two dorsal fins. The grey upper side bears rows of white spots. It lives inshore and in shallow estuaries and feeds on crabs, lobsters, bivalves, squid and small fishes. The species is ovoviviparous. Owing to strong demand for meat and especially fins in Asian markets it is severely overfished and assessed by the IUCN as critically endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Giant guitarfish?
The Giant guitarfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Enormous wedgefish with a shark-like tail; critically endangered (CR) through the demand for meat and fins.
Where does the Giant guitarfish live?
The Giant guitarfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Indian Ocean, inshore and in shallow estuaries.
How big does the Giant guitarfish get?
The Giant guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 310 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Giant guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Giant guitarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Giant guitarfish edible?
Yes, the Giant guitarfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhynchobatus
More from the family Rhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Giant guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giant guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.