Fin's Fish Guide
The California butterfly ray (Gymnura marmorata) is a saltwater fish of the family Gymnuridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The California butterfly ray is a butterfly ray of the family Gymnuridae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about one metre wide and has a very broad, rhomboidal, wing-like pectoral disc much wider than long, with a mottled pattern camouflaging it on the bottom, and a short, thin tail. It inhabits warm-temperate to tropical shallow bays and beaches over soft bottoms. As a bottom hunter it 'flies' low over the bottom and seizes small fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Unlike many stingrays the butterfly ray has no or only a very small tail spine and is harmless to humans. Owing to bycatch the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the California butterfly ray?
The California butterfly ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Very broad, wing-like disc and a short tail; lacks a true venomous tail spine, near threatened (NT).
Where does the California butterfly ray live?
The California butterfly ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; warm-temperate to tropical shallow bays and beaches.
How big does the California butterfly ray get?
The California butterfly ray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 95 cm.
Is the California butterfly ray dangerous to humans?
The California butterfly ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the California butterfly ray edible?
The California 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 California butterfly ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the California butterfly ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.