Blackchin guitarfish use their tails to swim and advance like sharks, while other rays use their pectoral fins and 'glide' through the water.
They feed on fish and benthic invertebrates.
Rays
Identity card
Appendix II
East Atlantic, from Portugal to Angola and on to the Mediterranean Sea.
At a depth of between 9 and 100 metres.
On average 1.50 m, but can reach 2 m.
Fish and benthic invertebrates.
Nausicaa coordinates the European conservation programme for the blackchin guitarfish.
The Blackchin guitarfish burrow into the sea floor with great ease and can embed themselves.
Blackchin guitarfish use their tails to swim and advance like sharks, while other rays use their pectoral fins and 'glide' through the water.
They feed on fish and benthic invertebrates.
It is found on sandy or muddy seabeds, at depths ranging from 9 to 100 metres. It burrows into the seabed with great ease. Its beige, grainy skin makes it easy to blend in with the sand.
The blackchin guitarfish is ovoviviparous. It has one to two litters per year, each comprising 4 to 6 embryos.
Other rays that can be discovered in the High Seas tank are the oceanic manta ray, Atlantic pygmy devil rays and spotted eagle rays.
Journey on the high seas
The Ocean Mag
In the spotlight
A look back at the year's births at Nausicaá.
Article
The Portuguese Parliament has adopted a moratorium banning seabed mining in its territorial waters until 2050.
Article
Combining art, science and industry to restore coral reefs.