Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Rhinopristiformes
- Family
- Rhinobatidae
- Genus
- Rhinobatos
- Species
- cemiculus
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow coastal waters and continental shelves, often over sandy or muddy bottoms in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It prefers depths from 10 to 100 meters, frequently near river mouths and estuaries where prey is abundant. These areas provide cover and foraging opportunities while avoiding rocky substrates.
Diet
The Blackchin guitarfish primarily feeds on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, and worms, which it uncovers by digging into the sand with its snout. It also consumes small fish occasionally, employing a suction feeding method to capture prey. Feeding activity peaks at night when the fish is most active.
Behavior
The Blackchin guitarfish is primarily solitary and benthic, spending much of its time buried in sand to avoid predators and ambush prey. It is nocturnal, emerging at night for feeding and more active during warmer months. This species exhibits seasonal migrations to deeper waters in response to temperature changes and may show territorial behavior around feeding grounds.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by IUCN.