Species · GBIF taxon 2419188
Spinetail Devil Ray
Mobula mobularAlso known as Devil Fish, Giant Devil Ray, Spinetail Mobula, Mediterranean Devil Ray
Giant devil rays glide through deep offshore waters using their massive, pointed pectoral fins like wings. These gentle giants are famous for their spectacular aerial leaps, launching themselves completely out of the water before landing with a loud slap. They use their horn-like cephalic fins to funnel plankton and small schooling fish into their wide, terminal mouths.
MarineGlidingDeep-sea
Licensed referencePatrik Neckman from Stockholm, Sweden / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Mysids
- Small schooling fish
Predators
- Large sharks
- Killer whales
ThreatsBycatch in commercial fisheries, targeted hunting for gill plates, and marine pollution
HabitatsPelagic open ocean, deep offshore waters, and coastal upwelling zones
Life spanUp to 20 to 30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMyliobatidae
- SpeciesMobula mobular
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- A massive ocean giant with a small tail spine; observe from a respectful distance in the water.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can reach widths of over five meters and possesses a serrated spine at the base of its long tail.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a dark blue-black back, white belly, and horn-like cephalic fins flanking a wide mouth.
- What to do
- Never swim directly above or block the path of this giant ray, and avoid the tail area.
- What to notice
- Distinguished by its massive diamond-shaped body and spectacular acrobatic leaps out of the water.
- Support conservation
- Report sightings to marine conservation databases and support sustainable fishing practices.
Responsible observation
- Maintain distance: Give these massive rays plenty of space to swim without changing their course.
- Avoid boat paths: Keep engines in neutral if a ray approaches to prevent propeller injuries.
- Do not touch: Respect their sensitive skin and avoid touching or riding them.
Close Relative (c) Stevelaycock21, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Original uploader was Bartek.cieslak at pl.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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