GuitarfishRhinobatidae

Guitarfish are a group of bottom-dwelling rays. They possess an elongated body with a flattened head and trunk, and small, ray-like pectoral fins, lending them a distinctive guitar or shovel-like shape. Their dorsal surface typically ranges from sandy to grey-brown, often marked with spots or patterns that provide camouflage against the seabed. While individual species vary, members of the group can reach lengths of up to 2.7 metres (9 feet).

These benthic animals inhabit shallow coastal waters, typically over sandy or muddy bottoms and in seagrass beds, from the intertidal zone down to 100 metres (330 feet). They use their pointed snout to dig for buried prey, primarily feeding on crabs, shrimp, bivalves, and small fish within the substrate. Guitarfish are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they often rest partially buried in the sand, making them challenging to spot for divers.