Bowmouth guitarfish
Rhina anclyostomus
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Crustaceans and mollusks, including shrimp, crabs and clams |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 feet |
| Type | Sharks & Rays |
| Range | Indo-West Pacific |
| Habitat | Ocean floor |
About the Bowmouth guitarfish
This critically endangered species is technically a ray, but is closely related to sharks.
Did you know?
Their coloring, grayish brown with white spots near their fins and darker spots near their head, helps to camouflage them in their sandy or muddy environments by the ocean floor at depths of around 65 feet.
Bowmouth guitarfish identify prey using their sense of smell, as their eyes are located on top of their heads to detect potential threats.
Shedd is working with the IUCN, field researchers and other AZA-accredited aquariums to develop a comprehensive conservation and recovery plan for bowmouth guitarfish.