Fin's Fish Guide
The Spineback guitarfish (Rhinobatos irvinei) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the West African coast (Morocco to Namibia), above sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Description
The spineback guitarfish is a guitarfish of the family Rhinobatidae reaching about 100 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 grey-brown upper side bears a row of thorns along the midback. 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 Spineback guitarfish?
The Spineback 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 Spineback guitarfish live?
The Spineback guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the West African coast (Morocco to Namibia), above sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Spineback guitarfish get?
The Spineback guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 65 cm.
Is the Spineback guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Spineback 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 Spineback guitarfish edible?
Yes, the Spineback guitarfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Rhinobatos
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Spineback guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spineback guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.