Fin's Fish Guide
The Butterfly ray (Gymnura poecilura) is a saltwater fish of the family Gymnuridae that grows up to 250 cm.
Description
The longtail butterfly ray is a large ray from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 250 cm including the tail and has a very wide, rhomboid, wing-like body disc and a thin, banded tail with a small venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried in sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal and estuarine water and searches for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The venomous spine can inflict a painful wound. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterfly ray?
The Butterfly ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Very broad wing-like disc and a thin tail with a venomous spine; burrowing butterfly ray
Where does the Butterfly ray live?
The Butterfly ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Butterfly ray get?
The Butterfly ray grows to a maximum of about 250 cm.
Is the Butterfly ray dangerous to humans?
The Butterfly ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the tail spine: immerse the wound immediately in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help.
Is the Butterfly ray edible?
The Butterfly 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 Gymnura
More from the family Gymnuridae
Want the complete picture on the Butterfly ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfly ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.