Baros Underwater A Shovelnose Ray Or Guitar Shark?

BAROS UNDERWATER

A Shovelnose Ray Or Guitar Shark?

Is it a shark? Is it a ray? Honestly—it’s difficult to say for sure! What we do know is that this unique fish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis, is a magnificent, tropical, underwater creature that can grow to reach over three meters long and weigh up to 230 kilograms. Believed to be a type of wedgefish, this fascinating creature has a uniquely prehistoric appearance. This makes us think that life in the ocean hasn’t changed much over the millennia; proof that when something works well, nature will keep it as it is. This fish swims like a shark but lays at the bottom of the ocean like a ray, with a flat body and a snout that is triangular and pointed. As with all cartilaginous fish, the sensors located on the muzzle make shovelnose rays formidable hunters that search for their prey, such as bony fish, crustaceans and molluscs, in the sand. The elongated, shark-like shape of this fish boasts rows of mesmerising white spots, making it unmissable for snorkellers and divers. Those lucky enough to see them often view them as “the encounter of the day”. These fish typically live solitary lives, but in the right season, they can be found in groups. Intrigued by these creatures? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that they can be found in and around the Baros House Reef several times a year, specifically during the summer months and the beginning of the dry season. There are just a few small windows for visitors to see the shovelnose rays, but it certainly makes sightings are all the more exciting. Interested to try your luck? While there have been wonderful sightings of these fish during the day, encounters are particularly spectacular at night while on snorkelling excursions or a night dive.