Origin
Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the coastal waters of the southeastern United States (North Carolina to Florida) and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. It inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow marine and estuarine zones.

Visual & Functional Appeal
With a guitar-shaped body, wide pectoral fins, and a tapering tail, the Atlantic Guitarfish has a unique blend of form—resembling both a shark and a stingray. Its dorsal side is typically olive to brown with small dark spots, helping it blend into sandy substrates. Its elegant gliding motion along the bottom adds a prehistoric, graceful quality to large public displays.

Purpose
Not suitable for home aquariums. Primarily kept in public aquariums or research institutions. In those settings, it serves as an educational centerpiece species that highlights evolutionary links between sharks and rays, bottom-feeding behavior, and benthic marine ecosystems.

Importance
The species plays a key ecological role as a demersal predator, feeding on small crustaceans, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates. In captivity, it provides insight into cartilaginous fish biology and inspires conservation awareness for lesser-known elasmobranchs.

Included Resources
Must be housed in extremely large marine systems (minimum 5,000–10,000 gallons) with soft substrate, high flow zones, and rounded corners to avoid snout injuries. Water must be stable with reef-safe salinity (1.023–1.025 SG), high oxygenation, and strong biological filtration. A public or research-grade life support system is essential.

Best Use Cases
Large-scale marine exhibits, shark/ray touch tanks (when appropriately regulated), or academic facilities studying cartilaginous fish. Not suitable for private aquarists due to size, diet, and specialized environment.

Conservation Context
While not currently listed as endangered, the Atlantic Guitarfish is vulnerable to habitat loss, bycatch, and bottom trawling in coastal fisheries. Increasing attention is being paid to its role in estuarine food webs and the need for sustainable marine practices.

Compatible Species
In public settings, may be housed with other large, peaceful benthic species (e.g., rays, epaulette sharks) with similar environmental requirements. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates. Must be kept in systems where ample space and separation are possible.

Region (A)
• Latitude: 29.8° N
• Longitude: 85.5° W
→ Florida Panhandle, USA (Gulf Coast habitat)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 26.1° N
• Longitude: 80.0° W
→ Southeast Florida (Atlantic coastal range)