Species · GBIF taxon 2419210
Atlantic Devil Ray
Mobula hypostomaAlso known as Lesser Devil Ray, Atlantic Mobula, Small Devil Ray
Atlantic devil rays are elegant, small elasmobranchs known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water, often schooling in warm coastal waters. They use their specialized cephalic fins to scoop plankton into their wide mouths while swimming in synchronized, sweeping motions. These highly migratory rays navigate the western Atlantic Ocean, moving in response to seasonal temperature shifts and food availability.
MarineMigratoryPlanktivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Copepods
- Krill
- Mysid shrimp
Predators
- Large sharks
- Killer whales
ThreatsBycatch in commercial fisheries, habitat degradation, and climate change
HabitatsCoastal waters, pelagic zones, and shallow bays
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMyliobatidae
- SpeciesMobula hypostoma
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; observe these gentle filter feeders from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its dark grey to black upper body, white belly, and forward-facing cephalic fins.
- Support conservation
- Report any accidental entanglements to local marine authorities immediately and never target them for capture.
Responsible observation
- Maintain distance: Avoid swimming directly over or under the rays to prevent disrupting their schooling patterns.
- Watch for leaps: Look for their spectacular aerial breaches, which often signal social or feeding activity.
- Avoid touching: Never attempt to touch or ride these rays, as it damages their protective mucus layer.
Frequent Companion (c) Robert Linsdell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Stevelaycock21, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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