Shovelnose Ray [Glaucostegus typus]
Description
The Shovelnose Ray, also known as the Giant Guitarfish, is a cartilaginous fish with a body shape intermediate between those of sharks and rays. The species is found primarily in the coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific, from the Gulf of Oman to New Guinea. It inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms and seagrass beds. Distinguished by its elongated, pointed snout, it feeds mostly on crustaceans and small fishes.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Sawback and Guitarfish
Rhiniformes
|
| Family |
Guitarfishes
Rhinobatidae
|
| Genus |
Giant Guitarfish
Glaucostegus
|