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Guitarfishes (Guitarfishes)


Guitarfishes and shovelnose rays are the common names for the members of the Rhinobatinae, a subfamily for the Rhinobatidae (Guitarfishes) family. They have a wing-like pectoral disc similar to the stingrays, and sharks body. The subfamily members are distinguished from Rhynchobatinae by having their first dorsal fin originates behind anterior half of total length, base behind rear tips of pelvic fins. They also lack the lower caudal fin lobe.

Members of the Rhinobatinae are mostly found in warm-temperate to tropical inshore continental water around the world. There are 6 genera and 48 species worldwide. They often occur off sandy beaches, in muddy enclosed bays, in estuaries, and off river mouths. These fishes are strong but slow swimmers. They are commonly found near the bottom but often swimming well above it or near the surface. All species are live-bearing. They feed on benthic invertebrates and are inoffensive to human.



Scientific Name: Glaucostegus granulatus  (Cuvier, 1829)
English Name: Granulated Guitarfish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 琵琶鲼 (Pípá fèn), 畚鲨 (Běn shā), 笨鲨 (Bèn shā)
Malay Name | Nama Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Yu Kemejan
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาโรนันหัวใสยักษ์ (Plā ro nạn h̄ạw s̄ı yạks̄), ปลาโรนันเม็ด (Plā ro nạn mĕd)
Local Hokkien: Pun Sua
Main Identification Features: First dorsal fin originates well behind the tips of pelvic fins. Long, narrow, triangular and translucent snout. Pairs of 2 to 3 large thorns on shoulder.
Size: Maximum total length 215 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Intertidal zone to depths of 120 m on the continental shelf.