Fish nocturnal

Common Guitarfish

Rhinobatos rhinobatos

The Common Guitarfish is a stunning evolutionary link between sharks and rays, featuring a prehistoric silhouette and incredible camouflage. Watching one glide across the sandy Mediterranean floor is like catching a glimpse into the ancient history of our oceans.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 80-120 cm (2.6-4 ft) in length, though can reach 147 cm (4.8 ft); weight usually ranges from 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs).

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Colors

Uniform khaki, brownish-grey, or olive-green upper body with a creamy white or pale underside; lacks prominent spots or blotches.

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Key Features

Pointed, shovel-like snout
Flattened forebody with two large dorsal fins situated near the tail
Shark-like posterior with a thick tail and no stinging spine
Small, translucent 'windows' of cartilage on either side of the snout

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 9 PM - 3 AM

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Season May-September

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Diet A benthic carnivore that feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small bottom-dwelling fish. It uses a combination of suction and crushing plates in its mouth to consume prey from the seabed.

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Habitat Shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, ranging from the shoreline down to depths of 100 meters.

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Behavior

The Common Guitarfish is a master of camouflage, spending much of its day partially buried in the sand or mud of the seafloor. By using its pectoral fins to stir up sediment, it settles into the ground until only its eyes and spiracles (breathing holes) are visible. This allows it to remain invisible to both its predators and its unsuspecting prey, acting as a stealthy ambush hunter.

Unlike many rays that swim by flapping their pectoral fins like wings, the Common Guitarfish swims more like a shark, using its muscular tail for propulsion. They are generally solitary creatures but can be found in higher densities during the summer months when they migrate into shallower, warmer waters to give birth to live young. They are docile and non-aggressive, often fleeing quickly if they feel a vibration in the water from an approaching diver or boat.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Common Guitarfish requires a specialized underwater camera setup focused on the benthic zone. Because these fish are bottom-dwellers, your camera must be positioned as low as possible—ideally mounted on a weighted sand-plate or a low-profile tripod no more than 12 inches off the seafloor. To get the best framing, angle the lens slightly downward to capture the flat profile of the fish as it glides over the sand. Clear water is essential, so place your camera in areas with sandy substrates rather than fine silt to minimize 'backscatter' from water movement.

Since the Common Guitarfish is most active after dark, high-quality infrared (IR) or low-glow LED illumination is a must. Standard white light can often startle these shy fish, causing them to bolt before you get a clear shot. If your camera setup allows for a 'baited' approach, placing a mesh bag containing crushed crabs or oily fish like sardines approximately 1.5 meters in front of the lens is highly effective. The scent will draw them in from down-current, and you may even capture the fascinating sight of a guitarfish unearthing itself from the sand to investigate the food source.

Patience and seasonal timing are key for this species. Deploy your cameras in late spring and early summer when these fish migrate into shallow coastal bays and estuaries to pup. During this time, they can be found in water as shallow as 2-5 meters, making it easier to maintain your equipment. Ensure your AI triggers are set to high sensitivity; the slow, gliding movement of a guitarfish can sometimes be missed by sensors designed for faster-moving land animals. Look for AI firmware that specifically recognizes the elongated, triangular 'rhinobatid' shape to reduce false triggers from swaying seagrass.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Common Guitarfish.

Blackchin Guitarfish

Possesses a prominent black spot on the underside of the snout and tends to grow significantly larger than the Common Guitarfish.

Mediterranean Guitarfish

Often features small white spots or more intricate patterning on its back, whereas the Common Guitarfish is usually plain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Guitarfish are primarily nocturnal. They spend most of the daylight hours buried in the sand to avoid predators and become active hunters once the sun goes down, peaking between late evening and the early morning hours.

The most effective way to attract them is using a scent trail. A baited underwater camera (BRUV) using crushed crustaceans or oily fish will draw them in. Ensure the bait is secured in a cage to keep them in front of the lens longer.

They are bottom-feeders that primarily eat crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They have specialized grinding plates in their mouths that allow them to crush the hard shells of mollusks and crustaceans easily.

While not found in backyards, they are often found very close to coastal suburban areas. They frequent shallow sandy flats near beaches, piers, and marinas, often in water only a few meters deep.

The Common Guitarfish can be distinguished by its lack of distinct spots and its perfectly triangular snout. Similar species like the Blackchin Guitarfish have a darker blotch on the underside of the snout, which the Common Guitarfish lacks.

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