Guiter Shark AKA Shark Ray
Shark Ray
Rhina ancylostoma
Much of this information is from the Australian Museum, as there is little information on this rare shark....
While they are not common, they are found on the outer edges of Richelieu Rock and sporadically at other deeper sites. As they are more benthic we see them only at the bottom of the reefs.
We see they infrequently, and if you read the link above about their numbers, you'll see why.
The Shark Ray is a very distinctive, deep-bodied fish which is found widely in the Indo-Pacific.
The upper surface of this species is a blue-grey color with white spots. There is a large blue-edged, black blotch above each pectoral fin and dark bands between the eyes. Unfortunately the specimen in the images has faded and these markings are not visible. This colouration is often not as distinct in large individuals which may only have faint markings.
Some of the most obvious features of this species are the wide, blunt snout, the large thorns on the bony ridges on the head and the large spiracles (the holes in the head behind the eyes). The tail of this species is much longer than the disc. The Shark Ray belongs in the family Rhinchobatidae (the guitarfishes). Two of the characters that separate the guitarfishes from other fishes are the well developed lower caudal fin lobe and the distinct demarcation between the head and pectoral fins. Both of these characters are clearly visible in the top image.
Aust. Mus. specimen AMS I.39214-001.
The Shark Ray is a very distinctive, deep-bodied fish which is found widely in the Indo-Pacific.
The upper surface of this species is a blue-grey colour with white spots. There is a large blue-edged, black blotch above each pectoral fin and dark bands between the eyes. Unfortunately the specimen in the images has faded and these markings are not visible. This coloration is often not as distinct in large individuals which may only have faint markings.
Shark Ray - eye and spiracle.
Some of the most obvious features of this species are the wide, blunt snout, the large thorns on the bony ridges on the head and the large spiracles (the holes in the head behind the eyes). The tail of this species is much longer than the disc. The Shark Ray belongs in the family Rhinchobatidae (the guitarfishes). Two of the characters that separate the guitarfishes from other fishes are the well developed lower caudal fin lobe and the distinct demarcation between the head and pectoral fins. Both of these characters are clearly visible in the top image.
Shark Ray - thorny ridges.
The Shark Ray is not dangerous to humans. It uses its flattened pavement-like teeth to feed on crabs and shellfish.
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