Overview

Banjo Sharks are easily distinguished from other guitarfish by their extremely flattened, disc-shaped bodies that resemble a banjo. Their snout is short and rounded, and their eyes are small and located on the top of their head. They have two large, wing-like pectoral fins that extend forward from the head, giving them a distinctive "banjo" shape. Their tail is long and whip-like, with a small dorsal fin near the tip.

Commonly found in:

1. Australia
2. Indonesia
3. Malaysia
4. Philippines
5. South Africa
6. Mozambique
7. Tanzania Madagascar
8. - Seychelles
9. Mauritius
10. - Fiji
11. - Solomon Islands
12. - Vanuatu

Over the past 63 years, there has been 1 recorded banjo shark attack. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:

• Mount Martha Point

Size and Weight

• Size: Males average 3.3 feet when mature; females average 3.6 feet when mature
• Weight: Males typically weigh 13-15 pounds; females typically weigh 15-18 pounds
• Swimming speed: Both sexes swim at 1-2 mph

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Generally non-aggressive, rarely encountered
• Avoidance: Stay out of shallow coastal waters at night
• Activity: Nocturnal, most active at night

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Males live 15-20 years; females live 20-25 years
• Diet: Crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish; hunts by crushing prey with flat teeth

Migratory Patterns

Banjo sharks do not have significant migratory patterns. They are generally sedentary and remain in the same coastal areas throughout the year.