Giant Guitarfish

The common shovelnose ray, giant shovelnose ray or giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus) is a species of fish in the Rhinobatidae family found in the central Indo-Pacific, ranging from India to the East China Sea, Solomon Islands and northern Australia. It is found in shallow coastal areas to a depth of at least 100 m (330 ft), including mangrove, estuaries and reportedly also in freshwaters. It reaches up to 2.7 m (8.9 ft) in length, and is greyish-brown to yellowish-brown above with a paler snout. This species has been tested for colour vision using choice experiments that control for brightness. It was the first rigorous behavioural evidence for colour vision in any elasmobranch.

Habitat

Glaucostegus typus inhabits a range of environments, including marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems. It is commonly found at depths ranging from intertidal zones to offshore continental shelves, demonstrating adaptability to both shallow and deeper water habitats.