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.
- diet
- Plankton, krill, and small schooling fish
- family
- Myliobatidae
- threats
- Bycatch in commercial fisheries, targeted hunting for gill plates, and marine pollution
- life Span
- Up to 20 to 30 years
CR
A massive ocean giant with a small tail spine; observe from a respectful distance in the water.
Can reach widths of over five meters and possesses a serrated spine at the base of its long tail.
Never swim directly above or block the path of this giant ray, and avoid the tail area.Critically endangered due to slow reproduction rates and high mortality from commercial fishing bycatch.
Report sightings to marine conservation databases and support sustainable fishing practices.- 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.