Fin's Fish Guide
The Guitarfish (Acroteriobatus annulatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The lesser sandshark is a guitarfish from southern African waters, ranging from Angola along South Africa to southern Mozambique. It has a flattened, shark-like body with a violin-shaped head disc and two dorsal fins on the tail. A bottom-dweller, the fish lives on sandy coastal bottoms down to about 75 metres and feeds on crustaceans, bivalves, polychaete worms and small fishes. The species is ovoviviparous: 2 to 10 pups are born in summer. Its flesh is esteemed and the fish is taken by surf anglers. Owing to fishing pressure the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guitarfish?
The Guitarfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Violin-shaped head shield; live-bearing with 2 to 10 young per litter
Where does the Guitarfish live?
The Guitarfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Africa
How big does the Guitarfish get?
The Guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 140 cm.
Is the Guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Guitarfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Guitarfish edible?
Yes, the 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 Acroteriobatus
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.