Fin's Fish Guide
The American cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Myliobatidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) is a ray of the family Myliobatidae from the western Atlantic. The species owes its name to its cleft, cow-nose-like snout and has broad, wing-like pectoral fins with which it 'flies' gracefully through the water. It lives on the continental shelf, enters bays and estuaries and sometimes forms huge schools. The diet consists mainly of benthic invertebrates and mollusks, which it crushes with flat tooth plates, sometimes damaging seagrass beds. The tail bears a spine. Owing to overfishing and slow reproduction the species is considered Vulnerable (VU). The disc reaches about 1.2 metres across.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American cownose ray?
The American cownose ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cleft, cownose-like snout; forms enormous shoals and crushes shellfish with its tooth plates.
Where does the American cownose ray live?
The American cownose ray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Continental shelf, bays and estuaries of the western Atlantic.
How big does the American cownose ray get?
The American cownose ray grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the American cownose ray dangerous to humans?
The American cownose ray can cause injury; handle it with care. The tail spine can cause a painful, lacerating wound. Rinse the wound with (sea)water, remove any visible material and immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C); seek medical help, especially for a deep wound or a wound to the trunk or chest.
Is the American cownose ray edible?
The American cownose ray is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhinoptera
More from the family Myliobatidae
Want the complete picture on the American cownose ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American cownose ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.