Blackchin guitarfish – Glaucostegus cemiculus

Glaucostegus cemiculus, commonly known as the whitespotted guitarfish, is a species of ray belonging to the family Glaucostegidae. These fascinating fish are characterized by their distinctive flattened bodies and long, slender snouts that resemble a guitar, hence their common name. They are known for their remarkable adaptability and can be found in a variety of marine habitats.

Description & Characteristics

The whitespotted guitarfish, Glaucostegus cemiculus, can reach a maximum size of 242.0 cm in length. Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened, with a distinctive guitar-like shape, featuring a long, slender snout. They possess a pair of large, pectoral fins that are fused to the head, giving them a broad, wing-like appearance. Their dorsal fins are small and located towards the tail, while their caudal fin is asymmetrical, with a larger upper lobe. The Glaucostegus cemiculus is distinguished by its light grey to brown coloration, with numerous white spots scattered across its body. These spots help to camouflage the fish in their natural environment.

Habitat and Occurrence

Glaucostegus cemiculus is found in a range of marine habitats, typically inhabiting coastal waters and continental shelves, with a depth range of 9.0 to 100.0 meters. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, encompassing areas like the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various marine zones, including reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms.

Taxonomy

Glaucostegus cemiculus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, which encompasses cartilaginous fishes such as sharks, rays, and skates. Within this class, they are further classified under the Order: Rhinopristiformes, a group that includes guitarfishes, sawfishes, and wedgefishes. Finally, they are part of the Family: Glaucostegidae, a family of rays known for their elongated snouts and flattened bodies.

Feeding

Glaucostegus cemiculus is a benthic feeder, meaning it forages along the bottom of the ocean floor. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet of invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They use their long, slender snouts to probe into the sediment and locate their prey. Their flattened bodies and large pectoral fins allow them to maneuver effectively in the bottom environment, enabling them to hunt effectively.