Digging Deeper
Linking diet and body condition in juvenile Giant Shovelnose Rays
Aliah's project investigates the diet and body condition of juvenile giant shovelnose rays in an intertidal sandflat nursery. By focusing on their feeding habits, nutritional intake, and overall body condition, the research provides valuable insights into the early life stages of these critically endangered species.
Juvenile giant shovelnose rays (Glaucostegus typus), members of the family Glaucostegidae (giant guitarfish), are among the most imperiled elasmobranch species in the world. Very little is known about their biology and ecology, especially during their early life stages. From the limited information available, juveniles seem to predominantly inhabit intertidal areas such as mudflats, sandflats, and mangroves. Their feeding habits and dietary preferences significantly impact their growth and development, influencing their health and survival rates. By studying their diet, Aliah aims to identify the main prey items and how these resources contribute to their overall nutrition and body condition.
The project also examines the body condition of juvenile rays using methods including Fulton’s K and a modified version of Wheeler’s (2023) Girth Condition Analysis, which has never been used on batoids prior to this research. These assessments provide information on the rays' health and how it correlates with their diet, offering insights into the relationship between prey type and growth.
By understanding the dietary preferences of juvenile rays and their use of the intertidal nursery habitat, Aliah's research contributes to a broader understanding of their ecological roles and potential vulnerabilities. The findings may highlight the importance of conserving these critical nursery areas for the sustainability of giant shovelnose ray populations.
Funded by The Explorer's Club
Specific aims of the project include:
-
Describe the diet of juvenile giant shovelnose rays (G. typus) in an intertidal nursery.
-
Obtain morphometric measurements to evaluate their body condition.
-
Explore the nutritional content of main prey items of juvenile giant shovelnose rays (G. typus).
-
Compare Girth Condition Analysis to Fulton’s K body condition for this species.
Our research team:
Prof Marcus Sheaves (Coastal Wetland Ecology Group)
Jaelen Myers (Coastal Wetland Ecology Group)
