The Guitar of the Sea
The Incredible Story of the Guitar Fish
Can you imagine a world without music? And an ocean without fish? Let's not go from sound to silence... Come and meet the guitar fish at the Seville Aquarium, an endangered marine species.
Do you know the guitar fish? It may not be as well-known as the Iberian Lynx, but its situation is more concerning. It's a critically endangered species, that is, on the verge of disappearing in the wild, and for this reason, at the Seville Aquarium, we're launching a conservation and awareness project called “The guitar of the sea”.
Now at the aquarium, you can meet this fascinating animal, learn about its characteristics and threats, but above all, and most importantly, how we can help to prevent this animal from disappearing. Will you help us?
Hello! Let Me Introduce Myself...
I am the giant guitarfish, although some people also know me as the “blackchin guitarfish.” My scientific name is Glaucostegus cemiculus (that’s how we are known in the animal world).
I am a flattened cartilaginous fish, and although my body greatly resembles that of sharks, I actually belong to the ray family. As you can see, my name comes from the characteristic shape of my body, very similar to a guitar.
Although we are harmless to people, we face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild (our species is classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List). Currently, the only individuals left along the entire Mediterranean and Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula are found in Andalusia, only on the coasts of Huelva and Cádiz.
We face many threats, but I would like to tell you about some of them: accidental capture in fishing gear, overfishing (due to the disappearance of our prey), the destruction of our habitat, and frequent captures for human consumption, as well as sales in markets and illegal fishing.
Activities during your visit
Discover all the secrets of the giant guitarfish
When you visit us, you will discover all the characteristics of this species, including its morphology, fascinating facts, and the threats it faces… and you will be able to do so through two new experiences:
1. 3D Hologram – a nearly magical three-dimensional projection in which the giant guitarfish comes to life.
2. Interactive Game – an engaging activity where visitors can learn about the many threats these animals face in the wild.