Guitarfish in Thailand (also known as Guitar Sharks), with their unique blend of shark and ray characteristics, are captivating marine creatures found in Thailand’s waters. Their distinct appearance and behavior make them a subject of interest for divers and marine enthusiasts. However, these species face significant threats, making understanding and conservation efforts crucial.
Understanding Guitarfish
Guitarfish belong to the order Rhinopristiformes, encompassing species that exhibit both shark-like and ray-like features. Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened like rays, facilitating a benthic lifestyle, while their elongated, shark-like tails aid in swimming. This combination allows them to navigate the ocean floor efficiently.
These cartilaginous fish possess mouths located on the underside of their bodies, adapted for feeding on benthic organisms. Their diet primarily includes crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Equipped with specialized teeth, guitarfish can crush hard shells, enabling them to access a variety of prey unavailable to many other predators.
Dorsoventrally flattened – refers to a body shape that is compressed from the dorsal (top) to the ventral (bottom) side, creating a flat appearance.
Benthic – of or relating to or happening on the bottom under a body of water.
Cartilaginous –
- Of, relating to, or consisting of cartilage.
- Having a skeleton consisting mainly of cartilage.
- Having the texture of cartilage; firm and tough, yet flexible.
Species of Guitarfish in Thailand
Thailand’s marine ecosystems host several species of guitarfish, each with unique characteristics:
1. Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma)
Commonly known as the “shark ray,” the bowmouth guitarfish is notable for its broad, ridged head and distinctive spotted markings. This species exhibits thorn-like spikes along its back, serving as a defense mechanism against predators. Despite being classified as a ray, it embodies a blend of shark and ray features, making it a unique inhabitant of Thailand’s waters.
2. Sharpnose Guitarfish (Glaucostegus granulatus)
Also referred to as the granulated guitarfish, this species is recognized by its long, pointed snout and rough skin texture. It inhabits shallow coastal waters and is adapted to a benthic lifestyle, feeding on crustaceans and mollusks found on the seabed. The sharpnose guitarfish is currently listed as critically endangered, facing threats from overfishing and habitat degradation.
3. Widenose Guitarfish (Glaucostegus obtusus)
Identified by its broad snout, the widenose guitarfish resides in open seas, shallow coastal areas, and estuarine environments. Its adaptability to various habitats underscores the ecological significance of preserving diverse marine environments in Thailand. This species, like others, is threatened by fishing pressures and habitat loss.
Habitat and Distribution in Thailand
Guitarfish are typically found in shallow coastal waters, preferring sandy or muddy substrates where they can easily forage for food. In Thailand, they inhabit both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Specific locations where guitarfish have been observed include:
1. Similan Islands
Located in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity. Dive sites such as Richelieu Rock offer opportunities to encounter various marine species, including the elusive guitarfish. The diverse underwater landscapes, comprising coral reefs and sandy bottoms, provide suitable habitats for these creatures.
Take a look at our Similan Islands itineraries here – Similans Liveaboard
2. Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park
In southern Thailand, the waters around Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park are home to diverse marine species. The sandy seabeds adjacent to coral reefs create an ideal environment for guitarfish. Conservation efforts in these areas aim to protect the delicate marine ecosystems that support guitarfish populations.
Check out our Best of Thailand itineraries for Koh Lipe diving.
3. Koh Tao
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is a popular destination for divers. While known for sightings of reef sharks and rays, guitarfish are occasionally spotted in deeper waters near dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle. The island’s commitment to marine conservation has been pivotal in preserving habitats conducive to guitarfish and other marine life.
Conservation Status and Threats
Conservation Status and ThreatsGuitarfish species in Thailand are facing critical threats that have led to population declines:
1. Overfishing
Fisheries often target guitarfish for their fins, which fetch high prices in the international shark fin soup market.. The bowmouth guitarfish, in particular, has fins that can fetch a significant sum per kilo. This lucrative trade has led to unsustainable fishing practices, severely impacting guitarfish populations.
2. Bycatch
These species frequently become unintended victims in various fishing operations. Their capture in trawl nets and gillnets, can contribute to their mortality rates. In some regions, the fishing industry considers guitarfish a nuisance bycatch due to their size and strength, often discarding them or failing to report their capture.
3. Habitat Destruction
Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices such as blast fishing have led to the degradation of essential habitats for guitarfish. Coral bleaching and siltation further exacerbate the loss of suitable environments necessary for their feeding and breeding. Protecting these habitats is crucial for the survival of guitarfish populations.
Conservation Efforts in Thailand
Recognizing the situation, Thailand has implemented several measures to protect guitarfish:
1. Legal Protection
In 2018, the bowmouth guitarfish was granted full protection under Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act. This means that capturing, killing, or trading this species is illegal. Additionally, certain marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established to limit human activities in critical habitats.
2. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Thailand has designated several marine parks and conservation zones to protect marine life, including guitarfish. Areas such as Similan Islands National Park, Tarutao National Park, and Mu Ko Surin National Park play a key role in maintaining biodiversity. Authorities have banned trawling and fishing practices in these zones. However, continued monitoring and enforcement are necessary to ensure compliance.
3. Sustainable Fishing Practices
Conservation groups and government agencies are working to promote sustainable fishing techniques that reduce bycatch. These initiatives include:
- Educating local fishermen on the ecological importance of guitarfish.
- Implementing gear modifications to reduce bycatch.
- Encouraging community-based conservation programs where local fishers become stewards of marine life.
Industries driven by high demand continue to engage in large-scale fishing, threatening marine ecosystems, despite ongoing progress.
4. Public Awareness & Ecotourism
Thailand has a strong diving and marine tourism industry, which presents an opportunity for conservation. Many dive centers promote responsible diving and educate tourists about endangered species like guitarfish. Initiatives include:
- “No Touch” policies to prevent divers from disturbing marine life.
- Eco-certification programs for dive operators that follow ethical guidelines.
- Tourist awareness campaigns to discourage purchasing products made from guitarfish (such as dried fins or amulets).
By promoting sustainable tourism, Thailand is creating an economic incentive for protecting marine life.
How You Can Help Protect Guitarfish in Thailand
If you’re a diver, traveler, or concerned conservationist, here are three ways you can contribute:
1. Choose Responsible Dive Operators
Support dive centers that prioritize marine conservation. Look for operators with eco-certifications and those that follow ethical wildlife interaction guidelines. Avoid companies that allow touching or disturbing marine creatures.
2. Support Conservation Organizations
Several non-profits and research groups in Thailand focus on marine conservation and shark/ray protection. Consider donating or volunteering with organizations like:
- Love Wildlife Foundation – Works on protecting Thailand’s marine biodiversity.
- Shark Guardian – An NGO dedicated to shark and ray conservation in Thailand.
3. Avoid Shark Fin Products
One of the biggest threats to guitarfish is the shark fin trade. By refusing to consume shark fin soup or other related products, you send a strong message to the market. Additionally, encourage restaurants and retailers to remove such items from their offerings.
Final Thoughts
Guitarfish in Thailand are extraordinary marine creatures, but they face severe threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, and cultural exploitation. Protecting these species will take enforcement, sustainable fishing practices, and public awareness alongside the current conservation efforts that are underway.
As a diver or ocean enthusiast, you can play a role in their survival by choosing ethical tourism, supporting conservation initiatives, and spreading awareness about their plight. By working together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in Thailand’s waters.
