Fauna
Fish

Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray

Mobula hypostoma

Also known as Lesser Devil Ray, West Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray

Atlantic pygmy devil rays glide gracefully through warm coastal waters and open ocean shallows, using their paddle-like cephalic fins to funnel plankton into their subterminal mouths. They are famous for their acrobatic breaches, launching completely clear of the surface either individually or in synchronous loose schools. Like other mobulids, they reproduce slowly via aplacental viviparity, typically giving birth to a single pup after an extended gestation.

MarinePlanktivoreAcrobatic
Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray reference
"オニイトマキエイ, almindelig djævlerokke, arraia-dois-chifres, atlantic manta, devilfish, devil ray, diable de mer, giant devil ray, giant manta, jamanta, manta, manta gigante, manta ray, manta voladora, munguna, prince alfreds ray, raie manta, 鬼蝠魟" by Pauline Walsh Jacobson is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMysid Shrimp, Copepods, Fish Larvae
Predators
  • Tiger Shark
  • Great Hammerhead
  • Bull Shark
ThreatsBycatch in gillnets and trawls, targeted fishing, and habitat loss
HabitatsCoastal shallow waters, pelagic shelf waters, and bays
Life span12–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMyliobatidae
  2. SpeciesMobula hypostoma
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a dark grey-to-black diamond disc, white underside, and prominent rolled horn-like head fins under 1.2 meters wide.
Support conservation
Observe from a passive distance without pursuing or encircling them, allowing them clear swimming paths.
Responsible observation
  • Distance: Maintain a respectful distance of several meters while diving or snorkeling to avoid interrupting feeding or schooling behavior.
  • Boating Awareness: Slow vessel speeds in shallow coastal bays where rays often bask near the surface.
  • No-Touch Etiquette: Never chase, touch, or attempt to ride these gentle and vulnerable animals.
Related species
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