Rhinobatidae

The Rhinobatidae, also known as guitarfishes, are a family of cartilaginous fish belonging to the order Rajiformes. These fish, commonly referred to as “sharks with flat bodies,” possess a distinctive flattened body shape reminiscent of a guitar, with enlarged pectoral fins that extend forward to the head. Their dorsal fins are positioned towards the tail, and their tails are slender and whip-like. They are closely related to the skates and rays, sharing a common ancestor with the sharks.

Smoothback guitarfish – Rhinobatos lionotus

Common guitarfish – Rhinobatos rhinobatos

Brazilian guitarfish – Pseudobatos horkelii

Speckled guitarfish – Pseudobatos glaucostigma

Gorgona guitarfish – Pseudobatos prahli

Shovelnose guitarfish – Pseudobatos productus

Atlantic guitarfish – Pseudobatos lentiginosus

Lesser sandshark – Acroteriobatus annulatus

Common Names

Guitarfishes are commonly known as "guitarfish" due to their unique body shape. Other names include "shovelnose rays" and "fiddlefish," depending on the specific species and geographic location.

Characteristics

Guitarfishes have a flattened, rhomboid body shape with a prominent, pointed snout. Their pectoral fins are large and fused to the head, forming a wing-like structure. Unlike most rays, they possess two dorsal fins located near the tail, and their tails are elongated and whip-like, containing a single, venomous spine. Their coloration varies depending on the species and habitat, ranging from brown, gray, to spotted patterns.

Environment

Guitarfishes are found in coastal waters around the world, inhabiting a range of habitats from sandy bottoms to coral reefs. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, preferring shallow waters with a soft substrate. Some species can also be found in deeper waters, up to 200 meters.

References

For more detailed information on Rhinobatidae, refer to the following sources: