Endangered Guitarfish Turn Israeli Coastline into a Marine Nursery
Israel's coastline serves as a vital nursery for endangered guitarfish. Marine experts highlight their unique biology, reproduction habits, and conservation needs.
The coastline of Israel has increasingly become a critical nursery ground for endangered batoids known as guitarfish, particularly in shallow sandy areas such as Ma'agan Michael and Ashdod. Dr. Adi Barash, founder and scientific director of the "Sharks in Israel" association, explains that these cartilaginous fish belong to the ray family and are often misidentified as sharks due to their elongated bodies. "The name 'guitarfish' comes from the unique shape of its body, which resembles a guitar when viewed from above," Barash notes. Two main species frequent Israeli waters: the common guitarfish and the larger blackchin guitarfish, which can reach lengths of up to two meters.
Ecological Features and Sensory Systems
Guitarfish possess remarkable biological adaptations, including the ampullae of Lorenzini—specialized electroreceptive organs that allow them to detect the electrical fields emitted by hidden prey such as crabs and small fish. Because their mouths are positioned on the underside of their bodies and their eyes are on top, they rely entirely on this electrosensory system for hunting. They are also masters of camouflage, frequently burying themselves in the sand with only their eyes and spiracles exposed.
Reproduction and Nursery Grounds
Female guitarfish undergo a gestation period lasting four to six months before giving birth to fully independent pups. In late August and September, large females migrate to shallow waters to give birth. These warm, protected coastal zones act as natural nurseries where large predators cannot enter. Remarkably, young blackchin guitarfish exhibit a unique behavior during this period, emerging onto the wet sand for several seconds before returning to the sea.
Conservation and Threats
Although legally protected in Israel since 2005, guitarfish face significant threats from coastal development and habitat destruction. Furthermore, climate change poses a rising concern, as warming sea temperatures can alter migratory patterns and reduce oxygen levels in shallow nursery areas. Researchers urge the public to contribute to citizen science by reporting sightings through the "Sharks in Israel" Facebook group, aiding ongoing conservation efforts for these vulnerable marine species.
