Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Mobula munkiana
- Common name
- Munk's devil ray
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Mobulidae
- Genus
- Mobula
- Size
- 100–310 cm
- Depth
- 0–300 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia
Description
Mobula munkiana reaches 310 cm wingspan and 100 kg. Smallest of devil-mobulas. Flat body with gray-brown back, white belly, short rigid cephalic fins. Endemic to tropical Eastern Pacific (Gulf of California to Peru). Listed VU by IUCN. Spectacular behavior: forms huge aggregations of tens of thousands of individuals (recorded over 100,000) during breeding season off Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, Sea of Cortez. Famous for frequent out-of-water jumps (up to 2 m high), unique among mobulas. Iconic encounters that make the reputation of Sea of Cortez.
Photo of Munk's devil ray
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Munk's devil ray?
- Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) reaches 100–310 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Munk's devil ray?
- Munk's devil ray is found between 0–300 m deep.
- Is the Munk's devil ray dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Munk's devil ray?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Munk's devil ray?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia.
Other species in the genus Mobula
- Mobula tarapacana - Sicklefin devil ray
- Mobula mobular - Giant devil ray
- Mobula alfredi - Reef manta ray
- Mobula thurstoni - Bentfin devil ray
- Mobula birostris - Giant manta ray
Other species in the family Mobulidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 271482)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2419205)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia