The Philippine guitarfish, known formally as Rhinobatos whitei, is a critically endangered species of cartilaginous fish in the genus Rhinobatos.[2][3][4] The species has been documented in the Pacific Ocean near the Philippines.[5] The documented sizes of Philippine guitarfish specimens ranges between 556-720 mm for male adults and female adults exceeding 720 mm. [6] The observed characteristics of the guitarfish is the difference of morphological features, coloration, pelvic and caudal features.[7] The observation of the species is rather rare due to the lack of sightings, capturing of the species, or mixing the taxonomic features with other species of guitarfish. [8]
Morphological Features
Disc shape: The observed shape of given specimens were broadly wedge-shaped with a blunt anterior and mildly bottlenose shape, differing from other species of its form. [9]
Tail Structure: The tail is observed to be elongated and slender, observed to be thicker and proximally to the body and becomes more slender distally. [10]
Coloration
Blotches and spots: Rusty brown blotches with faint white spots. [11]
Pelvic and Caudal Features
Pelvic Rays and Radials: Observed pelvic rays is 24-26
Caudal Centra Count: Observed caudal centra 43-48, relatively higher than other observed specimens within the species.
