Devil Rays The Devil Ray



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© Houssine Kaddachi/Oceana
Mobula rays can range in size from 17 feet from wingtip to wingtip, like the devil fish, to less than four feet wide, like the pygmy devil ray. Their mouths are located underneath their heads, and they use “cephalic fins” on either side of the head to help funnel in food and water. These fins gave rise to their common name because of the resemblance to devil horns. Although related to sting rays, only the Spinetail Mobula has a stinger.

Colors can vary from black to brown depending on the species, but all devil rays are dark on the top of their bodies and light below. Like sharks, mobula ray skin is covered by dermal denticals which gives it a rough feel similar to sandpaper.


Biology

Where are devil rays found?

The different species of devil rays are found in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world, in both coastal and oceanic environments. Mobula rays live in the open ocean, swimming continuously through the water column instead of resting on the sea floor like other rays. Sometimes, these rays will even jump into the air and soar for a few yards, likely to escape predators or remove parasites. Although mostly solitary, some species have been known to form schools.



What do devil rays eat?



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