Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitespotted guitarfish (Rhinobatos albomaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhinobatidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the West African coast (Mauritania to Angola), above sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
Description
The whitespotted guitarfish is a guitarfish of the family Rhinobatidae reaching about 75 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 is scattered with small white spots. 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 Whitespotted guitarfish?
The Whitespotted 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 Whitespotted guitarfish live?
The Whitespotted guitarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the West African coast (Mauritania to Angola), above sandy and silty bottoms in shallow coastal water.
How big does the Whitespotted guitarfish get?
The Whitespotted guitarfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Whitespotted guitarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitespotted 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 Whitespotted guitarfish edible?
Yes, the Whitespotted guitarfish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Rhinobatos
More from the family Rhinobatidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted guitarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted guitarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.