Giant devil ray (Mobula mobular)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Mobula mobular
- Common name
- Giant devil ray
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Mobulidae
- Genus
- Mobula
- Size
- 300–520 cm
- Depth
- 0–1100 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, schooling
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Mobula mobular reaches 5.2 m wingspan. Largest mobula and only one present in Mediterranean. Dark blue-purple back, white belly, two rigid cephalic fins. Listed EN by IUCN. Observed in small groups or solitary in East Atlantic and Mediterranean. Famous for spectacular out-of-water jumps (up to 3 m high), rare acrobatic finesse for its size. Seasonal migrations. Premium encounters in Azores, Gibraltar, Ligurian Sea.
Photo of Giant devil ray
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Giant devil ray?
- Giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) reaches 300–520 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Giant devil ray?
- Giant devil ray is found between 0–1100 m deep.
- Is the Giant devil ray dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Giant devil ray?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Giant devil ray?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Mobula
- Mobula tarapacana - Sicklefin devil ray
- Mobula alfredi - Reef manta ray
- Mobula munkiana - Munk's devil ray
- Mobula thurstoni - Bentfin devil ray
- Mobula birostris - Giant manta ray
Other species in the family Mobulidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105858)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2419188)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia