CR

Rhynchobatus djiddensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Giant Guitarfish faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure across its range, where it is caught both as a target species and as bycatch in trawl, gillnet, and longline fisheries. Its large size, slow growth rate, and late sexual maturity make it extremely vulnerable to overexploitation, with populations declining by over 80% in many regions. The species' high-value fins drive targeted fishing, while its coastal habitat preferences expose it to heavy fishing pressure in nearshore waters.

Threat summary

Habitat

Rhynchobatus djiddensis inhabits shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical marine environments. The species is commonly found in depths ranging from nearshore waters to approximately 60 meters, preferring areas with soft substrates where it can bury itself while foraging.

Marine coastal/supratidal· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislationCompliance and enforcement

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Japanese WedgefishCR

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Threatened in Australia

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Rhynchobatus djiddensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Rhynchobatus djiddensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Giant Guitarfish faces severe population declines primarily due to intensive fishing pressure across its range, where it is caught both as a target species and as bycatch in trawl, gillnet, and longline fisheries. Its large size, slow growth rate, and late sexual maturity make it extremely vulnerable to overexploitation, with populations declining by over 80% in many regions. The species' high-value fins drive targeted fishing, while its coastal habitat preferences expose it to heavy fishing pressure in nearshore waters.
Where does Rhynchobatus djiddensis live?
Rhynchobatus djiddensis occurs in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Fiji, and India (plus 26 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rhynchobatus djiddensis?
The main threats to Rhynchobatus djiddensis are 5.3, 5.4, 7.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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