Guitar Shark
Scientific name Rhinobatos
Often called a “guitar shark,” the Guitarfish is actually a type of ray with a body shape that looks like a mix between a shark and a stingray. It has a flattened body and broad pectoral fins like a ray, but a distinct shark-like tail and dorsal fins.
Around Koh Tao, sightings are rare and always exciting. They are typically found resting on sandy seabeds near reef slopes between 10–30 metres. Their sandy brown colouration allows them to blend almost perfectly into the bottom, often partially burying themselves for camouflage.
Guitarfish are calm, bottom-dwelling animals that rely on stealth rather than speed. If approached slowly and respectfully, they may remain resting, but sudden movement can cause them to glide away quickly with powerful tail beats.
They are harmless to divers and do not possess a venomous tail spine like many stingrays.
Globally, many guitarfish species are considered critically endangered due to fishing pressure and habitat degradation, making any sighting particularly special.
Find Guitar Shark at...
Divemaster's tip
Scan sandy patches carefully — look for the outline of a flattened body or two slightly raised eyes protruding from the sand.
Approach slowly from the side and avoid swimming directly above them. Maintain good buoyancy to prevent stirring up sediment.
What do they eat?
Guitarfish feed on crustaceans, small fish, worms and molluscs hidden within the sand.
Using sensitive electroreceptors and keen smell, they detect prey beneath the surface before uncovering it with quick suction feeding movements.
Gallery
