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Giant guitarfish

Giant guitarfish

(Rhynchobatus djiddensis)

The giant guitarfish is found in the tropical waters of the western Indian Ocean from the Red Sea to South Africa. It is a shallow-water species that inhabits marine and estuarine waters. Its body is elongated and resembles that of a shark even though it is a member of the ray family.

This guitarfish is olive green in color dorsally with a white underside. It has a triangular head and a pointed snout. Adults can reach 10 feet in length and weigh around 500 pounds. Its fins and flesh are very popular among many Asian markets.

Look for the giant guitarfish swimming around in the Ocean Voyager gallery.

Fun Facts

  • The giant guitarfish feeds on crabs, lobsters, small fish and squid.
  • This species is ovoviviparous: the embryos develop inside the female and are born fully formed.
  • Female guitarfish can give birth to about four to ten young ranging from 1.4 to 2 feet in length.
  • This guitarfish can be encountered to depths of about 165 feet.
  • The giant guitarfish has large black eyespots on the base of its pectoral fins.
  • Download full fact sheet

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