Guitar Shark – Unique Bottom-Dwellers of Protea Banks
A fascinating ray–shark hybrid species, commonly seen resting on sandy patches or cruising slowly over the reef at Protea Banks.
Guitar Shark at Protea Banks
The Guitar Shark belongs to the Rhinobatidae family, commonly known as guitarfish or shovelnose rays. These fascinating animals are often described as a cross between a shark and a ray—a bottom-dwelling species with a shark-like tail and a ray-like flattened body. At Protea Banks, guitar sharks are among the more reliably seen benthic species, often encountered resting on sandy patches or moving slowly across the reef during calm conditions.
Their gentle nature, unusual body shape and tendency to remain still for long periods make them ideal animals for underwater photography and relaxed observation. While not as dramatic as tiger or bull sharks, guitar sharks offer divers a valuable glimpse into the diversity of cartilaginous fish found at Protea Banks.
Identification Features
Guitarfish are easy to recognise thanks to their distinctive body structure. Important features include:
- Flattened, ray-like body with wing-shaped pectoral fins.
- Triangular, pointed snout resembling a guitar or shovel.
- Shark-like tail with a dorsal fin positioned behind the mid-body.
- Sand-coloured skin for camouflage on the seabed.
- Small eyes positioned high on the head.
While multiple species of guitarfish exist, most divers at Protea Banks encounter the Banded Guitarfish or Whitespotted Guitarfish, both well adapted to sandy and rocky seabeds.
Behaviour Around Divers
Guitarfish are calm, passive and non-threatening. They typically spend long periods resting on the sand or lying partially buried, using their colouration to remain hidden from predators. When approached carefully, they often allow divers to come quite close before slowly swimming away.
Their swimming style is unique: a mixture of gentle, ray-like body undulations combined with shark-like propulsion from the tail. They rarely show rapid bursts of speed unless startled.
When We See Guitar Sharks at Protea Banks
Guitarfish are encountered throughout much of the year, though most sightings occur when:
- Currents are mild or moderate.
- Visibility is good enough to spot animals resting on sand patches.
- Divers explore areas between the northern and southern pinnacles.
- Winter and early spring bring aggregations of benthic species.
They are among the most reliable “bonus species” during non-baited reef dives.
Where We Encounter Guitarfish
Guitarfish are bottom dwellers. We typically see them:
- Resting on sandy channels between reef structures.
- Moving slowly along the southern pinnacle plateau.
- On the reef edge during low-current dives.
- Occasionally congregating in sheltered areas during winter.
Their excellent camouflage means many divers swim past them without noticing—they reward divers who scan the seabed carefully.
Diver Experience Requirements
Guitarfish encounters are suitable for all levels of divers, including beginners. Recommended experience:
- Open Water certification or higher.
- Comfort maintaining buoyancy close to the seabed without disturbing sand.
- Good finning technique to avoid spooking resting animals.
Because they are non-aggressive and slow-moving, guitar sharks provide an excellent introduction to shark and ray interactions for new divers.
Conservation Status
Many guitarfish species worldwide are Threatened or Endangered due to targeted fishing, habitat degradation and accidental bycatch. Their bottom-dwelling lifestyle and limited migration range make them especially vulnerable.
At Protea Banks, the presence of healthy guitarfish populations reflects the resilience of the reef ecosystem. Responsible dive practices help reduce stress to these sensitive bottom dwellers.
Photography Tips
Guitarfish are excellent photographic subjects due to their stillness and unique shape. For best results:
- Approach slowly from the side rather than directly above.
- Use wide-angle or mid-range lenses to capture full-body shots.
- Keep your fins off the bottom to avoid stirring up sand.
- Shoot from eye level for the most engaging perspective.
Because they often remain stationary, photographers have ample time to capture clean, composed images.
Guitar Shark – Frequently Asked Questions
Are guitar sharks dangerous?
No. Guitarfish are completely harmless, shy and non-aggressive.
How often do we see guitarfish at Protea Banks?
They are among the more consistently seen bottom-dwelling species, especially on reef dives.
Are guitar sharks sharks or rays?
They are technically rays, but have many shark-like features.
Do guitarfish swim fast?
They usually move slowly but can make quick bursts if startled.
What depth do we usually see them?
Typically between 20–30 metres on sand patches and flat reef areas.
Are guitarfish endangered?
Many species are threatened due to fishing pressure and habitat loss.
Can beginners see guitar sharks?
Yes. They are suitable for divers of all levels and are easy to approach calmly.
How big do guitar sharks grow?
Most species reach 1.2–1.8 metres, with some exceeding 2 metres.
Meet the Unique Guitarfish of Protea Banks
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Guitar Sharks on South African Reefs
Guitar sharks are bottom-dwelling ray–shark species that are commonly encountered on sandy channels and reef edges along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Their flattened bodies and elongated snouts allow them to rest comfortably on the seabed while remaining alert to movement around them.
At Protea Banks, guitar sharks are most often seen lying partially buried in sand or moving slowly along reef contours. They are typically calm and predictable, making them one of the most relaxed shark encounters for divers exploring deeper reef systems.
Unlike more active pelagic sharks, guitar sharks rely on camouflage and patience rather than speed. Divers who approach slowly and avoid hovering directly overhead are often rewarded with extended, undisturbed observations.
Because guitar sharks are closely associated with the seabed, good buoyancy control is essential. Maintaining neutral buoyancy helps prevent disturbing sediment and ensures clear visibility for both divers and photographers.
Encounters with guitar sharks highlight the diversity of shark species found at Protea Banks, demonstrating that shark diving includes not only fast-moving apex predators but also subtle, highly adapted bottom-dwelling species.
Guitar Shark Encounters at Protea Banks & KZN Reefs
Guitarfish – or guitar sharks – have a unique ray-shark shape and are often seen resting on sandy patches around Protea Banks and the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Enquire About Guitarfish Dives →Learn about other species in our Shark Species Guide.
Beyond sharks: Protea Banks is also home to dolphins, rays, turtles, game fish, and seasonal whales. Explore the full marine life guide →
Learn more about the full range of sharks found at Protea Banks in our complete shark species overview, or plan your Protea Banks dive with our experienced local team.
Guitarfish (Guitar Shark) – The Shark–Ray Hybrid of South Africa
Identification • Behaviour • Habitat • Seasonality • Conservation