| Family: |
Mobulidae (Devilrays) |
| Max. size: |
220 cm WD (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m |
| Distribution: |
Circumglobal in tropical seas. Indian Ocean: off South Africa, Bay of Bengal, and probably Indonesia (Ref. 9911). Eastern Central Pacific: From Gulf of California to Chile (Ref. 130539). |
| Diagnosis: |
A moderate-sized devilray with a short head bearing short head fins; dorsal fin white-tipped, and pectoral fins with swept-back tips and a prominent double bend to the front margins; upper disc sparsely covered with small, blunt denticles and tail shorter than disc, with no spine (Ref. 5578). Dark blue to black above; white below, with silvery pectoral fin tips (Ref. 5578). No caudal fin (Ref. 5578). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in coastal and oceanic waters, but more common near the coast (Ref. 9256). Found singly or in small groups (Ref. 12951). Feeds mainly on planktonic crustaceans (Ref. 12951); mostly small shrimp-like animals (Ref.58048). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught occasionally in the tuna gillnet and in harpoon fisheries. Utilized for its gill filter plates (high value), meat, cartilage and skin (Ref.58048). Can leap out of the water. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 09 November 2018 (A2bd+3d) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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