Species · GBIF taxon 2419205
Munk's Devil Ray
Mobula munkianaAlso known as Manta de Monk, Pygmy Devil Ray, Smoothtail Mobula, Munk's Pygmy Devil Ray
Munk's devil rays are the smallest of the devil rays, celebrated for their spectacular, synchronized aerial leaps where thousands of individuals gather and launch themselves several meters out of the water. These highly social elasmobranchs form massive schools that migrate along coastal waters, using their cephalic fins to funnel zooplankton into their mouths. Their acrobatic displays, which create loud slapping sounds upon re-entry, are believed to play a key role in communication and courtship rituals.
MarineSchoolingAcrobatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Mysid shrimp
- Planktonic larvae
Predators
- Orcas
- Large sharks
ThreatsBycatch in gillnets, targeted fisheries, and habitat degradation
HabitatsCoastal pelagic waters, shallow bays, and coral reefs
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMyliobatidae
- SpeciesMobula munkiana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for small, dark grey-blue rays with white bellies, often seen leaping in massive groups near the surface.
- Support conservation
- Keep boat engines in neutral when near schools, and never chase or corral swimming groups.
Responsible observation
- Maintain distance: Avoid swimming directly into a schooling shiver to prevent disrupting their natural movement.
- Watch from a boat: Observe their spectacular aerial breaches from a safe distance to avoid collisions.
- Avoid touching: Never attempt to touch or ride these rays, as it damages their protective mucus layer.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Stevelaycock21, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative Patrik Neckman from Stockholm, Sweden / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.