Know why it has been named after an instrument guitar->
5 Bangladeshi fishermen were recently arrested near the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve for illegal fishing of guitarfish.
Guitarfish are named for their guitar-shaped triangular head, resembling the musical instrument, which sets them apart from other ocean inhabitants.
This species is part of the Rhinobatidae family, blending characteristics of both sharks and rays, particularly with their wing-like fins.
The guitarfish has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Guitarfish possess a pointed snout or rostrum crucial for hunting, and their body shape mirrors that of a shark with two dorsal fins and a caudal fin.
Depending on the species, guitarfish can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh as much as 300 kilograms, with the shovelnose guitarfish being one of the largest.
Preferring shallow waters, guitarfish inhabit tropical and warm temperate zones globally, indicating their adaptability to different marine environments.
Their diet consists of small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine life, showcasing their role in the aquatic food chain.
Guitarfish are found along the coastal region of Goa, although there is limited information on their distribution and ecological impact.
The arrest related to illegal fishing activities underscores the critical need for protecting this endangered species and its habitat to ensure its survival.