Western Indian Ocean: restricted to the Red Sea and the tropical western Indian Ocean to South Africa. Apparently misidentified with closely related species in the northern and eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

A large guitarfish with large black eyespots on the pectoral bases, a distinctive black cross between the eyes, and rows of small white spots on the upper body; snout pointed and lower caudal lobe short. Olive-green above, white below. Mouths small and contain flattened, pavement-like teeth.

Feeds on crabs, lobsters, bivalves, small fishes and squids. Ovoviviparous. Takes crayfish and pilchard bait. Flesh with excellent taste. Fins sought after in Asian markets.