The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is a species of ray found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. These fish are recognized for their flattened bodies, resembling a guitar, and are commonly found in shallow coastal waters.
Description & Characteristics
The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) can reach a maximum size of 185.0 cm in length. It is characterized by its flattened, guitar-shaped body with a wide, rounded head and a long, tapering tail. The dorsal surface of the fish is typically a grayish-brown color with darker blotches, while the ventral surface is a lighter shade. The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) has small, pointed pectoral fins and a pair of prominent dorsal fins located near the tail.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is a bottom-dwelling species that prefers sandy or muddy substrates. It is found in shallow coastal waters, typically at depths between 0.0 and 100.0 meters. The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is often observed in estuaries, lagoons, and near coral reefs. Its distribution encompasses the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea to the coasts of West Africa. This species thrives in the neritic marine zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, further highlighting its preference for shallow, coastal waters.
Taxonomy
The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Rhinopristiformes, and Family: Rhinobatidae. This classification places it within the larger group of cartilaginous fish, alongside sharks and skates. The family Rhinobatidae includes a diverse range of guitarfish species, characterized by their unique body shape and specialized adaptations for bottom-dwelling lifestyles.
Feeding
The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is a carnivorous fish with a diet consisting mainly of benthic invertebrates. Its feeding habits include consuming crabs, crustaceans, edible crab, fish (little fishes), rock lobster, rock shrimps, schrimps, sepia, and zoobenthos. The Common Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) locates its prey using its sensitive electroreceptors, which detect the electrical fields generated by nearby organisms. It then uses its sharp teeth to crush and consume its prey.
Image References