Mobula hypostoma (Bancroft, 1831)
Lesser devil ray
Mobula hypostoma
photo by Nunes, J.L.S.

Family:  Mobulidae (Devilrays)
Max. size:  230 cm WD (male/unsexed); max.weight: 116 kg
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: New Jersey, USA (Ref. 7251) to Santos, Brazil (Ref. 26340) and Argentina (Ref. 58839). Eastern Atlantic: St. Paul's Rocks (Ref. 13121).
Diagnosis:  Cephalic fins smaller, tail longer without spine (Ref. 7251). Upper surface black (Ref. 6902).
Biology:  Occurs in shallow coastal waters (Ref. 12951). Feeds mainly on planktonic crustaceans but may take small schooling fishes (Ref. 12951). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Found singly, in small groups, and in schools (Ref. 12951). Swimming at high speed and often leap high above the surface (Ref. 6902). Feeds mainly on planktonic crustaceans, but also on small schooling fishes (Ref. 114953). Meat used for food and a source of oil (Ref. 6902).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 08 November 2018 (A2cd+3d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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