FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) is also called the whitespotted wedgefish. The giant guitarfish is a large fish species of the family Rhinidae and genus Rhynchobatus. Rhynchobatus has two Greek elements, rhingcos meaning 'snout' and -idos meaning 'a string ray.' They have a gray or brown colored body with a variety of patterns. There are four closely related species of giant guitarfish. This species complex includes white-spotted guitarfish, broad nose wedgefish, and smooth nose wedgefish, also including the giant guitarfish. These are called shark-like rays. These fishes with other families of rays are at risk of extinction. These fish species have slow maturity and growth. They have characteristic gill slit and mouth, which resemble a ray. While fishing they are caught by demersal tangle net and sometimes by longline fisheries and trawl, impacting their populations. They are also used as game fish and their fins and flesh are sold. They do well in a public aquarium. Further research and studies need to be done to learn more about their population, range, habitat, and taxonomy. In the meantime, read on for all there is to know about this intriguing species.
You may also like to read about manta rays and bowfins once you're done here.
The Rhynchobatus djiddensis is of Rhinopristiformes order. These animals are shy. They are the largest fish species of guitarfish. They have been originated from cartilaginous fishes. They have tooth-like scales.
The Rhynchobatus djiddensis belongs to the Chondrichthyes class of fish.
The data on the exact number of Rhynchobatus djiddensis is not available.
There is not much information available on their population range. It was previously believed that these species occupied a large part of the Indo-Pacific as they were confused with other species of guitarfish. Recent evidence shows that the population occupies the Red Sea, western Indian Ocean till South Africa, and the Persian Gulf.
The Rhynchobatus djiddensis occupy regions with sandy seafloor at a depth of about 6.6-164 ft (2-50 m). They can be found near coastal reefs and reef flats in shallow waters. They might sometimes move into the brackish water of the estuaries.
These fish species live on their own or in large schools.
The data on the lifespan of these species is unavailable.
The reproduction of these species is dioecious. The breeding process is ovoviviparous. The embryos feed on the existing yolk and then they absorb uterine fluid from the mother that contains protein, fat, and mucus. The female produces 4-10 young ones with a size range between 43-60 cm.
The conservation status of these fish species is Critically Endangered on the IUCN red list. It is believed that the population has been declined due to fishing and exploitation for their fins and flesh. Their fins are popularly used for shark fin soups. With increasing demand and a slow lifecycle, these species are very vulnerable. Several fisheries catch them while fishing throughout their habitat range. The population of these animals is found in a range of high fishing areas so, these fishes are the target of several types of gears.
This fish species has a gray or brown body with a white underside. They have several patterns of white spots. The adult species mostly lack spots on their pectoral fins whereas, the juveniles have black spots. The eyes are on top of their head and have a dark bar-like pattern between the eyes. The head is elongated and V-shaped. The gill opens in their underbellies. The caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins and the posterior part of their body resembles a shark. The teeth are pavement-like, which allows them to crush their food like crabs and lobsters.
According to many people, these guitarfish species are not cute.
These rays communicate through sound, motions, and colors.
The Rhynchobatus djiddensis size range is 120 in (3.1 m). The female is larger than the male.
The data on their speed is not available. Interestingly, these rays do not use their pectoral fins to swim like most rays but they use tails to swim like a shark.
These ray fish species weigh 500 lb (227 kg).
There is no specific name given to males or females.
There is no specific name given to the Rhynchobatus djiddensis baby. They can simply be referred to as the young.
They feed on crabs, small fish, lobsters, bivalves, mussels, crustaceans, and squids.
No. They are not aggressive.
Yes, they would make a good pet. It is difficult to care for these big species. With the right aquarium size, nutrition, and water conditions they live a healthy life.
It was previously believed that these rays were spread all the way to Japan. Only recent studies revealed that they are scattered in the western Indian Ocean.
These rays can catch prey using their head. Once trapped, they make small quick jumps to swallow their food.
The guitarfishes are believed to be the oldest members of rays.
The giant shovelnose guitarfish is viviparous.
The fishing for giant guitarfish is done mainly due to the demand for their flesh and fins. Their fins are used in shark fin soup, a traditional soup of Chinese cuisine. This is one of the reasons for their red list endangered status. So, yes, these rays are edible.
The largest species of the ray family is a Stingray. They can produce venomous stings. The sharks are cartilaginous species. The rays, skates, and sharks are members of the subclass Elasmobranchii.
The shark has gills in the lateral position whereas the stingrays have gills in the ventral position. The body of the sharks is not fused with their head whereas the stingray bodies are merged with the head.
The sharks feed near the surface and rays feed at the bottom of the water bodies. The sharks are known to be fast swimmers whereas the stingrays swim slowly using their pectoral fins, unlike the guitarfishes. The reproduction process of a shark is ovoviviparous but that of a stingray is oviparous.
The Bowmouth guitarfish is a ray that looks like a shark. They are called Shark Ray. These creatures also are listed as Vulnerable.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish including spiny dogfish, or giant frogfish.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Giant guitarfish coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.