The guitar fish (Rhinobatos spp.), also known as melgacho or violin fish, inhabits the seabeds of the Southwestern Atlantic, near the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It can reach up to 138 centimeters and glide over the sand like a shadow.
The IUCN Red List classifies it as critically endangered, following a reduction of more than 80% of its populations due to industrial, artisanal, and sport fishing. The lack of protected areas and its slow reproductive rate hinder its recovery.
Initiative in Buenos Aires
In the province of Buenos Aires, scientists and fishermen are promoting a project to recover the species. Marine biologists Andrés Jaureguizar and Sebastián Gómez organized talks on beaches and participated in sport and artisanal fishing competitions, promoting the release of captured specimens.
This work achieved concrete changes: two contests modified their rules and now require the release of the guitar fish, including one of the most important in South America.
Documentary “Pescadores & Guitarras”
The process was documented in the film Pescadores & Guitarras, directed by Mariano Fernández and premiered on June 4. The work seeks to raise public awareness, attract audiences, and promote changes in conservation policies.
The filmmakers emphasize that the goal does not end on the screen: it continues with dissemination, dialogue with social actors, and the promotion of public measures to improve the management of the species.
Biology and habits
- Reproduction: the mother carries live young in her belly, between 4 and 12 at a time.
- Seasonal cycle: in spring and summer, they approach the coast to give birth, becoming more exposed to fishing.
- Feeding: they search for small crustaceans and fish in the sand, camouflaging themselves on the seabed.
- Appearance: a mix of shark and ray, with a flat mouth and body adapted for moving over the sand.
Conservation challenges
The guitar fish exhibits late maturation and low fecundity, meaning that population recovery will be slow.
According to Jaureguizar, results will not be seen in two or three years, but releasing more specimens can improve the trend in the long term.
Ecological importance
The species plays a key role in coastal ecosystems:
- Regulates populations of fish and crustaceans.
- Maintains the balance of the food chain.
- Acts as an indicator of the health of marine environments.
The joint initiative between scientists and fishermen marks a cultural change in sport and artisanal fishing. The guitar fish, a symbol of the coastal ecosystems of the Southwestern Atlantic, faces a crisis that requires time, commitment, and sustained public policies.
The combination of research, education, and social participation opens a hope for its recovery.
