#giant devil ray

[i-give-you-a-fish]

Trick or treat! Could I perhaps get a snazzy ray of some form?

You get a Devil Ray

Mobula mobular

[antiqueanimals]

Giant devil ray (Mobula mobular), Giant manta ray (Mobula birostris)

Fishes of the World. Written by Hans Hvass. Illustrated by Wilhelm Eigener. Originally published in 1964.

Internet Archive

[cypherdecypher]

Animal of the Day!

Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular)

(Photo by Patrik Neckman)

Conservation Status- Endangered

Habitat- Indo-Pacific Ocean; Eastern Atlantic Ocean; Mediterranean Sea

Size (Weight/Length)- 3.5 m width

Diet- Krill; Plankton; Small fish

Cool Facts- The giant devil ray is the third largest mobula species. These are the only mobulidae found in the Mediterranean Sea. The rays live in small groups and only have offspring once every few years. Capable of gaining a high amount of speed, giant devil rays can breach multiple meters from the water. The reason why they breach from the water is unknown but it could be done for communication or just for fun. Due to their slow growth mixing with pollution and bycatch, the giant devil ray population has declined greatly in the last few decades. These rays are highly sensitive to any change in their environment and are heavily impacted by longlines, trawl nets, and tuna traps. Luckily, multiple European countries such as Italy and Croatia are working together to protect this magnificent species.

Rating- 13/10 (No longer called a manta.)

[anakahaia]

Inktober 2023

Day 17: Demon

Mobula mobular, Giant Devil Ray

[collectiveofanimals]

Mobula mobular by sarah faulwetter

[collectiveofanimals]

Giant Devil Ray

Mobula mobular

Mobula seems to be coming from the word mobil or movable.

Family: Myliobatidae (Eagle Ray Family)

Fun Fact: They are ovoviparous (they lay an egg, but keep it inside of them, until it hatches), and are, “...Matrotrophs (i.e., the neonate receives nourishment from uterine milk secretion). They give birth to a single large pup.” (IUCN)

Habitat: They are endemic to pelagic waters in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean from Ireland to Senegal and as far reaching west as the Azores. 

Ecosystem Role: They are epipelagic (in the sunlight zone) helping keep pelagic fish and crustacean species in check.

Conservation Status: Endangered 

[collectiveofanimals]

Devil Ray, Mobula mobular by Patrik Neckman Via Flickr: Devil Ray, Mobula mobular

[collectiveofanimals]

Mobula mobular by sarah faulwetter