How to Identify Common Shovelnose Ray

To identify Common Shovelnose Ray (Glaucostegus typus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically sandy brown to greyish-brown, often with scattered white spots or blotches, especially in juveniles. Ventral surface is white. Fins may have darker margins.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Broad, flattened, shovel-shaped snout, Two prominent, widely spaced dorsal fins, Large, triangular pectoral fins that are not fused to the head as broadly as in true rays, giving it a guitar-like appearance, Relatively small, widely spaced eyes, A row of small, blunt thorns or denticles along the midline of the back and tail, more pronounced in juveniles, Strong, muscular tail with a well-developed caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Two distinct dorsal fins, similar in size and shape, located far back on the body, posterior to the pelvic fins.

Tail fin

Well-developed, heterocercal (shark-like) caudal fin, with a distinct upper and lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, triangular, and somewhat rounded, forming the 'wings' of the ray, but not extending to the snout.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively small and located beneath the dorsal fins. No anal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Shape

   Look for the distinctive broad, flattened, shovel-like snout, which is a key characteristic distinguishing it from other guitarfish species.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two prominent dorsal fins located far back on the body, posterior to the pelvic fins. Their size and position are important.

3. 3

   Coloration and Markings

   Observe the dorsal coloration (sandy brown to greyish-brown) and the presence or absence of white spots or blotches, which can vary with age and geographic location.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   The overall guitar-like body shape, with a flattened disc and a robust, shark-like tail, is characteristic.

5. 5

   Thorns/Denticles

   Check for a row of small, blunt thorns along the midline of the back and tail, which are more noticeable in younger individuals.

Explore Common Shovelnose Ray