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Elkhorn Slough Elasmobranch Project
Species List: Shovelnose Guitarfish
   
 This species is a living fossil that
shows up in the geologic record
before the time of dinosaurs.
Adult females in the slough
typically contain eggs with little
embryonic development.
Within Elkhorn Slough,
Shovelnose guitarfish feed
primarily on crustaceans, however,
clams and fish are a consistent
part of their diet.
 Very little is known about this
mysterious species which shares
features common to both sharks
and rays. Our tagging studies
Indicate that this animal may
return on a year to year basis.
- Found commonly in fall and early winter, but found infrequently during other parts of the year. (Talent, 1985)
- Mature females caught in the slough contain eggs with little embryonic development (Talent, 1985)
- Within Elkhorn Slough, Shovelnose guitarfish feed primarily on crustaceans, however, clams and fish are a consistent part of their diet. Fish species represent both benthic and nektic forms. (Talent, 1982)
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