Blackchin Guitarfish

Overview

The Blackchin Guitarfish is a large, shark-like ray characterized by its elongated, wedge-shaped body and pointed snout. It is a bottom-dwelling species that inhabits shallow coastal waters, often partially burying itself in sandy or muddy substrates to ambush prey. Due to its vulnerability to overfishing and habitat loss, this species is currently classified as Critically Endangered.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from northern Portugal to Angola, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea, where it is more common in the southern and eastern basins. It typically occupies coastal areas and the continental shelf, ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 100 meters.

Appearance

The Blackchin Guitarfish features a flattened, triangular disc and a long, pointed snout, often marked by a dark spot—the source of its common name, which is most prominent in juveniles. Its dorsal surface is typically beige to brownish, providing camouflage against the seafloor, while its underside is white. The skin is covered in small, rough denticles, with rows of small thorns along the midline and around the eyes.

Biology & behavior

As a benthic species, it spends much of its time swimming slowly near the seabed or resting on the bottom. It is an aplacental viviparous species, meaning embryos develop inside the mother and are nourished by protein-rich uterine secretions rather than a placenta. Females typically give birth to litters of 4 to 16 pups in shallow, inshore nursery areas during late summer and early autumn.

Feeding

Its diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates, including crustaceans like prawns and crabs, as well as mollusks and small fishes.