Wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes: a guide to species identification

Full text

Wedgefishes and
Giant Guitarfishes

Wedgefishes and
Giant Guitarfishes
A Guide to Species Identification
2019
Rima W. Jabado

Published by: Wildlife Conservation Society, 2019
Citation: Jabado RW. 2019. Wedgefishes and Giant Guitarfishes: A Guide to Species Identification. Wildlife Conservation
Society, New York, United States. 30 pp
Illustrations: © Marc Dando - Wild Nature Press
Cover photo: © Guy Stevens -- Manta Trust -- Bottlenose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae), Maldives.
All material appearing in this publication is copyrighted and may be reproduced only with permission.

What are ‘shark-like rays’?
The term ‘shark-like rays’ refers to 63 species from five families in the order Rhinopristiformes: the sawfishes (Pristidae),
wedgefishes (Rhinidae), giant guitarfishes (Glaucostegidae), guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae), and banjo rays (Trygonorrhini-
dae). Their flattened body is perfectly adapted for life on the seabed, either swimming close to the bottom or resting and
lying concealed within the sediments. All species are characterized by a life-history of slow growth, late maturity, and low
fecundity, making them extremely susceptible to population decline from overexploitation. In fact, except for the banjo rays,
the remaining four families are considered amongst the top shark and ray families most at risk of extinction. Specifically, all
but one species of sawfishes, wedgefishes, and giant guitarfishes that have been assessed on the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species are considered threatened (Critically Endangered).
Despite this elevated extinction risk, little to almost no management has been put in place for these species.
Schematic chondrichthyan phylogenetic tree
representing the relationship among sharks,
rays, and chimaeras, and highlighting the
order Rhinopristiformes which includes the
wedgefishes (Rhinidae) and giant guitarfishes
(Glaucostegidae).
1

Threats and population declines
Wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes are shallow-water inshore and coastal species with much of their distributional range
overlapping with areas of high fishing pressure on the continental shelf. They are susceptible to capture in commercial and
artisanal fisheries using various types of gears including nets, trawls, longlines, and handlines. Species are either targeted
or retained when caught as bycatch, with the primary driver for retention being their fins. Indeed, while their meat is often
consumed locally, unprocessed and processed fins enter the international shark fin trade and are considered the most
valuable on the market due to their high ceratotrichia content (‘fin needles’ used in shark fin soup). Due to their quality and
texture, dried fins labelled as Qun chi (meaning ‘king of shark fins’ in Cantonese), can be sold for up to USD$964/kg in
Hong Kong, one of the world’s most important trade hubs and consumer markets for shark fins.
Currently, little is known at the species-specific level on wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes. Much of the available literature is
incomplete with often inaccurate information due to frequent species misidentification and limited research effort. However,
the available family-level catch and landings data from across their range in the Indo-Pacific and West Africa suggest severe
population declines and localized extinctions highlighting the need for immediate conservation measures. For example,
a recent assessment of the conservation status of sharks and rays in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters concluded that
the Bottlenose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) and Whitespotted Wedgefish (R. djiddensis) have suffered significant
population declines estimated between 50-80% over the last three decades. In Pakistan, wedgefishes and guitarfishes
used to be abundant in commercial landings, however, catches of these species have considerably dropped, with almost
all wedgefishes having disappeared from landings and are now rarely recorded. In Indonesia, landings data indicate sig-
nificant declines (over 80%) in the target gillnet fisheries for wedgefishes that began in the mid-1970s and reached a peak
in 1987. Similar declines are noted throughout the range of all wedgefish and giant guitarfish species.
Wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes are morphologically similar and experience the same level of fishing pressure that
has driven sawfishes (family Pristidae) to near extinction over the past few decades. Sawfishes have now been afforded
2

© Demian Chapman
© Rima Jabado© Rima Jabado
© Stan Shea 3

species-specific protections in a number of countries and have been listed on international agreements including Appen-
dix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), effectively banning all
commercial trade. However, wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes are largely unmanaged and it is highly likely that without
regulations to ensure sustainable trade, the exceptionally high value of their fins will drive additional declines globally, thus
threatening the survival of wild populations.
Benefits of listing wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes on CITES
Current CITES proposals are for the inclusion of R. australiae and R. djiddensis from the family Rhinidae as well as the
Blackchin Guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus) and the Sharpnose Guitarfish (Glaucostegus granulatus) from the family
Glaucostegidae in Appendix II. These proposals include the listing of all look-alike and putative species from the family
Rhinidae: Clown Wedgefish (R. cooki), Taiwanese Wedgefish (R. immaculatus), Smoothnose Wedgefish (R. laevis), Afri-
can Wedgefish (R. luebberti), Eyebrow Wedgefish (R. palpebratus), Broadnose Wedgefish (R. springeri), False Shark Ray
(Rhynchorhina mauritaniensis), Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostoma), as well as the family Glaucostegidae: Halavi
Guitarfish (G. halavi), Giant Guitarfish (G. typus), Clubnose Guitarfish (G. thouin), Widenose Guitarfish (G. obtusus).
In 2017, Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) listed R. australiae on
Appendix II of the Convention, recognizing that this species is in need of collaborative international conservation action. In
2018, the CMS Sharks Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also listed this species on its Annex along with two look-
alike species (R. djiddensis and R. laevis). Given the recent nature of these listings, no collaborative measures have yet been
taken and a listing on CITES Appendix II would represent a strong commitment towards cooperative and global action by
those CITES Parties that are also signatories to CMS and the Sharks MoU. It is clear that coordinated and comprehensive
action is needed and a listing in Appendix II of CITES would encourage sustainable trade and management of these species
while preventing international trade in their high value fins from driving them to extinction.
4

Objectives of this guide
The primary objectives of this guide are to illustrate and provide a tool for the identification of all known species of wedgefish-
es and giant guitarfishes. The inability to adequately identify wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes has been a widespread and
common problem for fisheries managers with catches of these species often going unmonitored. Also, the taxonomic status of
several species remains unclear with some species challenging to identify due to similar body shape, colour, and overlapping
distributions. Essential to our understanding of the status of wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes, and the successful implemen-
tation of CITES listings, is accurate species identification along with the strict enforcement of fishing, trade, and protection
measures. This guide will support and assist field biologists, researchers, fisheries enumerators, and customs officials to rapidly
and accurately identify wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes as whole animals or from their fresh or dried unprocessed fins.
How to use this guide
For each known species of wedgefish and giant guitarfish, information on the key features used in their identification is pro-
vided. Key features for each species should be used in conjunction with the more general family characteristics provided
on page 11. Common names used here follow Last et al. (2016) or the most commonly accepted name across the majority
of their range (e.g., Bowmouth Guitarfish is used instead of the Australian name Shark Ray for Rhina ancylostoma).
Key features and illustrations
The key features presented are those by which a species can be most easily identified in the field. These characteristics
include body shape, fin positions, and colour patterns. It is important to note that typical of many chondrichthyan fishes,
wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes undergo ontogenetic changes (as they develop from juveniles to adults) in fin shape
that typify development. Specifically, dorsal fins change shape to become taller and more erect as they develop. The illus-
trations of each species in this guide are re-creations based on available photographs (mostly from the Northwest Indian
5

Ocean region and West Africa) and available illustrations. It is however important to note that body coloration can vary
depending on the state of the animal (i.e., fresh, frozen, dried, preserved, etc.). Furthermore, many of these illustrations are
based on morphological characteristics exhibited by adults and some features, colours, patterns might differ in juveniles
and are therefore mentioned in the identifying features. Species within each family are arranged based on their closest
morphological species or ‘look-alike’.
Finally, it is important to note while the identification features presented here are based on the best available information,
the taxonomy of many of these species (especially wedgefishes) is currently being revised and it is possible that specimens
observed at landing sites might have differing features. If readers encounter specimens that are rare, not identifiable by
using this guide, or are unsure of their identifications, it is recommended to retain them for further investigation and take ap-
propriate photographs and tissue samples. Readers can also contact the author for assistance on info@elasmoproject.com.
Distribution
Species distributions are mapped as overlays of individual distributions to show species richness for each family. These have
been mapped based on Last et al. (2016) (except for the Clubnose Guitarfish that is not considered to occur in the Red
Sea), Jabado et al. (2017), and confirmed photographic records.
IUCN Categories
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the most comprehensive framework for assessing the extinction risk of the world’s
plant and animal species. The current conservation status of each species is indicated by a logo under each species name.
Abbreviations for these categories in order of decreasing threat are: EX, Extinct; EW, Extinct in the Wild; CR, Critically En-
dangered; EN, Endangered; VU, Vulnerable; NT, Near Threatened; LC, Least Concern; and DD, Data Deficient.
CR EN VU NT LC DDEX EW
6

Lower caudal fin
Pelvic fins
First dorsal fin Second dorsal fin
Snout
Pectoral fins
Key identifying features
base – part of a projection (e.g. fin) connected to body
blotch – variably sized area or patch that is different in
colour to adjacent areas
bulbous – a shape, swollen or bulging
denticle – a small, tooth-like structure on the skin
dorsal – pertaining to the upper part or surface of back
indentation – notch or concavity on the surface of some-
thing
margin – edge or rim
ocellated – having eye-like markings
posterior – relating to back of or tail end of an animal
rostral - on upper part of the snout
spiracle – a respiratory opening behind the eyes
snout – part of head in front of eyes
translucent – allows light in but not totally transparent
ventral – pertaining to the lower part or surface
Upper caudal fin
Mouth
Trunk
Free rear tips
Spiracle
Fin origin
Key terms
7

© Philippe Lecomte
© Andy Murch
8

THE FACTS
16 species
80%
decline in the
population of most
species
Meat often consumed
by coastal communities
Sold for shark fin soup
in Hong Kong and
China as Qun Chi
Highest value fins of all
sharks and rays
USD$964/kg
Live in coastal and
inshore areas
Slow-growing
Late to mature
Long gestation
Visual identification of
dried unprocessed fins
possible
© Andy Murch
9

WEDGEFISHES - Family Rhinidae
The family Rhinidae includes 10 valid species from three genera: Rhina,
Rhynchobatus, and Rhynchorhina. Wedgefishes are medium to large rays
(reaching up to 3.1 m total length as adults) that are mostly found in warm
temperate to tropical inshore continental seas, and rarely occur deep-
er than 400 m. They have a primarily Indo-Pacific distribution with only
two species occurring in the eastern Atlantic. Most species have rows of
white spots or ocelli on their bodies, and often a black marking on each
pectoral fin that is variably surrounded by white spots. This black marking
is generally most obvious in young and can fade or disappear in adults.
GIANT GUITARFISHES - Family Glaucostegidae
The family Glaucostegidae includes six valid species from one genus:
Glaucostegus. Giant guitarfishes are medium-sized to large rays (adults
of most species exceed 3 m total length) that primarily inhabit subtropical
and tropical inshore continental and insular seas across the Indo-Pacific
and eastern Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea. They occur at
depths up to 100-120 m but are mostly found in intertidal habitats with
some species having been recorded in fresh and brackish waters. Most
species have no spots, stripes, or blotches.
Species richness 1 2 3 4 5
10

Origin of first dorsal
fin well behind the
tips of pelvic fins
Origin of first dorsal fin
above pelvic fins
Caudal fin with very
distinct lower lobe
2-3 short series of thorns on
each shoulder
Head angular and wedge-
shaped (only in the Rhynchobatus
genus; rounded in Rhina and
Rhynchorhina)
Head spade-like to wedge-
shaped with translucent snout
Small thorns confined to a
row along mid-line of body
Caudal fin lacking
obvious lower lobe
Pectoral fins not joined to
the body to form a disc
Pectoral fins joined to the
body to form a disc
Upper jaw of mouth
straight without
indentations
Underside of head
Upper jaw of mouth with
at least one indentation in
the middle
11

WEDGEFISHES - Family Rhinidae
© Elke Bojanowski -- Red Sea Sharks
12

Bowmouth Guitarfish - Rhina ancylostoma False Shark Ray - Rhynchorhina mauritaniensis
Clown Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus cooki
The Clown
Wedgefish is the small-
est of the wedgefishes and
reaches 82 cm total length. It is
known from less than 20 speci-
mens and has not been recorded
since 1996, despite extensive
fish market surveys across
Southeast Asia.
Prominent ridges with
large thorns on back
Broad, rounded
head
Caudal fin
lunate
Flattened blunt snout with large trans-
verse black blotch on underside
Thorny patches of ridges above eyes,
spiracles, shoulder, and mid-line of back
Caudal fin with distinct
small lower lobe
2 irregular rows
of large thorns on
snout
Prominent white margin
along body
Lacks pectoral fin markings
13

Bottlenose Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus australiae Whitespotted Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus djiddensis
Smoothnose Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus laevis Taiwanese Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus immaculatus
3 white spots aligned over the pectoral
marking (usually 2 spots below)
Bottle-shaped snout slightly constricted near tip
Dorsal surface can
be almost uniformly
blackish with no mark-
ings in some adults
Spots with ring-like
dusky colour pattern
in adults
Fin tips dusky
No black pectoral marking
Row of small white spots
originating over origin of
pelvic fin and coalescing to
form a line on tail
Prominent black bars
between eyes
Pectoral marking often ocellated,
surrounded by 4-7 white spots
Black pectoral marking usually
surrounded by 4 or more white spots
Snout underside usu-
ally with dark blotch
Single white spot above
pelvic fin origin
4-5 rows of white spots
along each side beneath
first dorsal fin
14

Broadnose Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus springeri Eyebrow Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus palpebratus
2 eyebrow-like black
markings often present
Black pectoral marking usually surrounded by 3-4 white
spots with outermost pair closer together than inner pair
Black pectoral marking usually
surrounded by 3-4 equally
spaced white spots
2-4 rows of spots on each side under 1st
dorsal fin forming a pale faint line continuing
along the body but ending before tail
African Wedgefish - Rhynchobatus luebberti
Faint dark bars
between eyes
in young
2 large blackish blotches on
shoulders (fading in adults)
Dense white spots with
black contour extend all
the way to the tail
3-4 rows of spots on each
side extending along the
tail sometimes forming
pale lines
Usually dark markings
on and/or behind eyes
The African
Wedgefish is the only
Rhynchobatus species to
occur in the Atlantic Ocean. It is
endemic to West Africa and has
been recorded from Maurita-
nia to Congo. It has already
disappeared from much of
its former range.
Paired rows of
rostral thorns on
the snout 15

GIANT GUITARFISHES - Family Glaucostegidae
© Danny Copeland
16

Blackchin Guitarfish - Glaucostegus cemiculus Giant Guitarfish - Glaucostegus typus
Halavi Guitarfish - Glaucostegus halavi
Dorsal surface sometimes with
irregular dark-greyish blotches
Entire length of
rostral ridges
almost joined
Snout underside usually with dark blotch
Ventral surface entirely white
Snout underside usually with dark blotch in juveniles
Rostral ridges
separated at the
back
1-3 thorns on each
shoulder
Single large
thorn on each
shoulder
The fins of giant
guitarfishes are smaller
than those of wedgefishes but
are also extremely valuable. In
several African countries, pups
are removed from pregnant fe-
males so their fins can also be
traded internationally.
© Danny Copeland
17

Clubnose Guitarfish - Glaucostegus thouin Widenose Guitarfish - Glaucostegus obtusus
Dorsal fins short with
rounded apices
Very short and obtuse snout
Bulbous snout tip projecting forward
Lacks dark blotch on snout Thorns along mid-line of body can be
enlarged and irregular
Sharpnose Guitarfish - Glaucostegus granulatus
Very long, narrow, translucent,
and triangular snout
Pair of 2-3 large thorns on
each shoulder The six valid
species of giant gui-
tarfishes were only recently
recognized as a separate family
and genus. Genetic analyses in-
dicate that they are more closely
related to sawfishes than other
species of guitarfishes.
18

Overview of fin identification
This quick overview of wedgefish and giant guitarfish fin identification covers fins that are likely to be encountered dried for
sale at landing sites or fishing ports, sold by fin traders, or packed as batches destined for the international trade. Batches
of dried fins usually include all the different fins of sharks and shark-like rays and are most easily identified when dried and
unprocessed (skin on). Fins from wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes are distinctive when compared to shark fins. Furthermore,
dried and unprocessed fins can easily be visually identified because of their size, shape, colour, and texture. On the other
hand, wedgefish fins are morphologically similar to those from giant guitarfishes once removed from the whole animals
making identification to a species-level challenging. However, visual fin ID is possible at the family level (Rhinidae vs Glau-
costegidae). This ability to visually identify the primary product in trade will aid in the implementation and enforcement of
these proposed CITES Appendix II listings.
In general, the primary fins derived from wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes that are traded internationally for shark fin soup
are the two dorsal fins and the entire caudal fins. This overview provides a breakdown of the main characteristics that can
be used to quickly and easily separate dorsal fins from other types of fins (i.e., pectoral fins) as well as caudal fins to the
family and sometimes genus level for the family Rhinidae. Visually distinguishing unprocessed dorsal fins of wedgefishes from
those of morphologically similar hammerhead shark species (Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini, Smooth Hammer-
head S. zygaena, and Great Hammerhead S. mokarran) is described in more detail in Abercrombie & Hernandez (2017).
Dorsal fins
Unlike many shark species that have a second dorsal fin that is much smaller than the first, the first and second dorsal fins of
wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes are large and tall, often very similar in height and shape. They are usually sold as a set
and every two dorsal fins found in fin batches can be considered to represent one individual.
19

Caudal fin
The whole caudal fin of wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes is typically retained and dried. In comparison, for sharks, the lower
lobe of the caudal fin is the most valuable and retained separately to the upper lobe (which is sometimes discarded). When
whole, caudal fins are distinctive and easily distinguished by the presence or absence of distinct upper and lower lobes.
Below are some guidelines to help distinguish between dorsal and caudal fins of wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes.
Step 1. Find dorsal fins and caudal fins from batches of fins and distinguish them from other fins such as pectoral fins. It is important
to note that pectoral fins found in the trade will usually only belong to sharks and not wedgefishes or giant guitarfishes.
Pectoral fins are usually darker on the top side/dor-
sal view (a) and lighter underneath/ventral view (b)
Dorsal (a) and caudal fins (b) are the same colour on
both sides. Dorsal fins (a) also have a free rear tip
(a) (b) (a) (b)
The landmarks used to describe key features of
fins are the same for sharks and rays and are
presented here for dorsal fins:
Apex
Trailing edge
Leading edge
Origin
Free rear tipFin base
20

Hammerhead dorsal fins have
small cartilaginous blocks present
along almost the entire fin base
Step 4. For dull brown or light grey tall fins (fin height > fin length), check and confirm that they do not belong to hammerhead sharks
Step 2. Distinguish between shark and wedgefish and giant guitarfish dorsal fins
Denticles visible but
texture is smooth
Enlarged denticles visible
and texture is rough
Wedgefishes -- Rhinidae Giant Guitarfishes -- Glaucostegidae
Cartilaginous blocks in wedgefish and
giant guitarfish dorsal fins do not extend
across the entire fin base and can be split
in one or two big sections
row of cartilage along entire fin base small row of cartilage
Step 3. Check the texture of the fins to determine if they are smooth and shiny or have enlarged denticles
Dorsal fins of wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes have a free
rear tip that starts anterior or before the apex and which is
moderately longer when compared to the fin base.
Sharks Wedgefishes Giant Guitarfishes
21

Is the fin the same col-
our on both sides?
Key to identification based on dorsal fins
Does it have a free rear
tip?
Is the fin tall and nar-
row with the fin height >
fin length?
Does it have white
spots close to the base?
Is the free rear tip short
and rounded?
This is not a dorsal fin
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
If the colour is dark brown/
grey, this is likely a fin from
Rhina ancylostoma
If the colour is dull brown/light grey, with a
smooth and shiny texture, this is likely a fin from a
Rhynchobatus spp.
NO Does it have enlarged
denticles on the upper half
of the fin?
YES If the colour is dull brown/light grey,
this is likely a fin from a
Glaucostegus spp.
NO
Do the cartilaginous
blocks extend across the
entire fin base?
NO If the cartilaginous blocks are few or
not visible, this is likely a fin from a
Rhynchobatus spp.
YES
This is likely the fin of a hammerhead shark Sphyrna spp.
This species is already listed on CITES Appendix II
22

Key to identification based on caudal fins
Is the fin the same
colour on both sides?
Is there a distinct up-
per and lower lobe?
Is the lower lobe
long, almost or more
than half the length
of the upper lobe?
This is not a caudal fin
YES
YES
YES
If the fin is lunate with almost sym-
metrical upper and lower lobes,
this is likely from
Rhina ancylostoma
If the lower lobe is less than half the length of the
upper lobe with no distinct notch visible on the pos-
terior margin, this is likely a fin from a
Rhynchobatus spp. or Rhynchorhina mauritaniensis
NO
If the lower lobe is absent and the upper half is cov-
ered with enlarged denticles, this is likely a fin from
a Glaucostegus spp.
NO
Note -- This fin identification overview was compiled to highlight that it is possible to visually identify fins from wedgefishes
and giant guitarfishes. Several other key characteristics have been omitted including the differences between these fins
and those of other CITES listed species such as the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) and sawfishes (Pristidae). A com-
prehensive guide to fin identification will be developed if these species are listed on CITES.
NO
23

Species checklist
IUCN STATUSAUTHORITYSCIENTIFIC NAMECOMMON NAMEFAMILY
Rhinidae -- Wedgefishes
Critically EndangeredBloch & Schneider, 1801Rhina ancylostomaBowmouth Guitarfish
Critically EndangeredWhitley, 1939Rhynchobatus australiaeBottlenose Wedgefish
Critically EndangeredLast, Kyne & Compagno, 2016Rhynchobatus cookiClown Wedgefish
Critically Endangered(Forsskål, 1775)Rhynchobatus djiddensisWhitespotted Wedgefish
Critically EndangeredLast, Ho & Chen, 2013Rhynchobatus immaculatusTaiwanese Wedgefish
Critically Endangered(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Rhynchobatus laevisSmoothnose Wedgefish
Critically EndangeredEhrenbaum, 1915Rhynchobatus luebbertiAfrican Wedgefish
Near ThreatenedCompagno & Last, 2008Rhynchobatus palpebratusEyebrow Wedgefish
Critically EndangeredCampagno & Last, 2010Rhynchobatus springeriBroadnose Wedgefish
Critically EndangeredSéret & Naylor, 2016Rhynchorhina mauritaniensisFalse Shark Ray
Glaucostegidae -- Giant Guitarfishes
Critically Endangered(Geoffroy St Hilaire, 1817)Glaucostegus cemiculusBlackchin Guitarfish
Critically Endangered(Cuvier, 1829)Glaucostegus granulatusSharpnose Guitarfish
Critically Endangered(Forsskål, 1775)Glaucostegus halaviHalavi Guitarfish
Critically Endangered(Müller & Henle, 1841)Glaucostegus obtususWidenose Guitarfish
Critically Endangered(Anonymous, 1798)Glaucostegus thouinClubnose Guitarfish
Critically Endangered(Bennett, 1830)Glaucostegus typusGiant Guitarfish
24

Acknowledgements
The development of this guide was made possible through the generous support of Vulcan, Inc. A number of individuals have provided
support, information, and reviewed this document and are gratefully acknowledged: Luke Warwick (Wildlife Conservation Society),
Megan O’Toole (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Daniel Fernando (Blue Resources Trust), Dr. David Ebert (Pacific Shark Research
Center), and Benaya Simeon (Wildlife Conservation Society-Indonesia). Special thanks go to Debra Abercrombie (Abercrombie & Fish)
for her guidance and support with the fin identification flowcharts and for providing pictures of dorsal fin cross-sections for wedgefishes
and hammerhead sharks. Many thanks also go to Dr. Peter Kyne (Charles Darwin University) for his helpful and constructive review.
Stan Shea (Bloom Association) and Demian Chapman (Florida International University) are acknowledged for providing pictures of
traded specimens and products. Finally, with the declines of many wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes around the world, sourcing live
pictures of specimens proved to be extremely hard. I would like to thank Dr. Simon Pierce for his support as well as all those individuals
who provided pictures including Guy Stevens (Manta Trust), Andy Murch (Elasmodiver.com), Philippe Lecomte, Elke Bojanowski (Red
Sea Sharks), Danny Copeland, Dan Beecham, and Al Dove (Georgia Aquarium).
25

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Ahmad A, Lim APK, Fahmi & Dharmadi. 2013. Field guide to
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Species: Proposals for amendment of Appendices I and II.
Geneva, Switzerland. Available from: https://cites.org/eng/
cop/18/prop/index.php
CITES Management Authority of Pakistan. 2018. Proposals for
possible consideration at CoP18. Wedgefishes and Guitarfishes.
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files/eng/com/ac/30/Inf/EAC30-Inf-12.pdf)
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batidae), from the Indo–West Pacific, In: PR Last, WT White &
JJ Pogonoski (eds). Descriptions of new Australian chondrich-
thyans. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 022,
pp 227–240
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from the Western Pacific. 77-88 pp. In: Last PR, White WT &
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28

A lack of management action for wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes has contributed to
their current threatened status. Some populations have collapsed globally, with declines of
more than 80% in many regions. Action is needed now to halt declines and secure a future
for these species.
Published by
Wildlife Conservation Society
Sharks and Rays Program
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/sharks-skates-rays
The objective of this guide is to provide a tool for the identification of 16 species of wedgefish and giant guitarfish
(order Rhinopristiformes: families Rhinidae and Glaucostegidae) being proposed for listing on the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). It can be used in the identification of species
for fisheries purposes or for the implementation of CITES listings (if these species are listed). The content is divided into
three sections: (1) an overview of the status of species around the world, (2) information on each species and key iden-
tification features that allow these species to be visually separated in the field, and (3) an overview of fin identification
showcasing how to visually identify fins of wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes to the family level.