WHERE AND WHEN WE SEE THEM:

In the warmer months the Giant Sandshark are often seen on Sand Shark Gully on the Southern Pinnacles of PROTEA BANKS. The numbers of Giant Sandsharks can reach up to 50 at a time on this sandy patch.

ABOUT GUITAR SHARKS

The Giant Sandshark is part of the family of Rays. This Sandshark is known for its elongated body with a flattened head and trunk, with small ray like ‘wings’. Their shape is due to the fact that they are bottom dwelling fish usually living on the sand. All the species inhabit tropical, subtropical and temperate waters. In South Africa the two common species are the Lesser Sandshark (Rhinobatos annulatus) and the Giant Sandshark (Rhynchobatus djiddensis).

A large Western Indian Ocean inshore Sandshark, found from South Africa to the Red Sea. The Sandshark has a large elongated flatfish shape with a shovel-shaped nose. The nose is very distinguishable to the species because it is more elongated. Its colour is brownish-green through light-brown to dark brown. Numerous white to light brown spots are found along the top of the body and the under belly is a light cream colour.

The distribution range of the Giant Sandshark extends from South Africa along the east African coast. In South Africa this fish is found from south of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape into northern KwaZulu Natal.