We all know that the ocean holds many mysterious creatures, from incredible whales to sponges that can live for 11,000 years. One such species deserves some more recognition: it’s time to meet the bowmouth guitarfish.
What Is A Bowmouth Guitarfish?
Bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma) have a striking unusual appearance: though they appear to have the tail of a shark, their body is flattened like a ray. So which is it? Well, the bowmouth guitarfish has gills on the underside, a dead giveaway that this is a species of ray, though it is often called a shark ray.
Their heads are covered in bony, pointed growths called “thorns”. Some researchers think that the thorns are used to head-butt potential attackers, though this has not been proven. Mature adults can grow up to a maximum of 3 meters in length (9.8 feet). Unsurprisingly they are named guitarfish due to their fins that roughly resemble the shape of a guitar.
The thorny ridges are prized for jewelry in regions such as Thailand, contributing to the declining population.
Image Credit: Rich Carey
What Do Bowmouth Guitarfish Eat?
Bowmouth guitarfish eat crustaceans and mollusks on the ocean floor. They possess rows of flat ridged teeth to crush their shells. The eyes of the bowmouth guitarfish are on top of its head, the primary sense they use for hunting is smell.
Where Do Bowmouth Guitarfish Live?
Bowmouth guitarfish have a wide range in the Indo-West Pacific, stretching from the coast of South Africa all the way to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and New South Wales in Australia. They prefer to live very close to the seabed over muddy or sandy areas and can also be found on coral reefs.
What Are The Threats To Bowmouth Guitarfish?
According to the IUCN, bowmouth guitarfish are Critically Endangered. Like many sharks and rays, these guitarfish are targeted for their fins for use in food, and are often also caught as bycatch.
Their thorns are also prized for use in jewelry. A study from 2023 explored the impact of the little-known “thorn-market” where the thorns are removed and made into amulets and rings, mainly in Thailand.
The habitat of the bowmouth guitarfish is also under threat due to the declining condition of the corals and the use of explosives in fishing.