Giant Guitarfishes [Glaucostegidae]

Description

The Glaucostegidae, commonly known as giant guitarfishes, are a family of rays found in tropical and subtropical waters. Characterized by their large size, flat bodies, and elongated snouts, these guitarfishes resemble a combination of a ray and a shark. They typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes rivers. Giant guitarfishes are benthic feeders, preying on a variety of invertebrates and small fish. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs develop inside the female's body, with the young born fully formed. This family is facing significant threats from overfishing and habitat destruction, leading to a decline in their populations.

Genera

Taxonomy