Fin's Fish Guide
The Cownose ray (Rhinoptera javanica) is a brackish-water fish of the family Myliobatidae that grows up to 165 cm.
Description
The flapnose ray is a large ray from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 165 cm across and has a flat, rhomboid body disc, a split, cow-nose-like snout and a long tail with a venomous spine. It often schools in large numbers through shallow coastal and estuarine water and uses its pectoral fins to search for molluscs and crustaceans, which it crushes with flat jaws. The venomous spine can inflict a painful wound. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cownose ray?
The Cownose ray has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cleft, cownose-like snout and a venomous spine; schooling cownose ray
Where does the Cownose ray live?
The Cownose ray lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Cownose ray get?
The Cownose ray grows to a maximum of about 165 cm.
Is the Cownose ray dangerous to humans?
The Cownose 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 Cownose ray edible?
The 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 Cownose ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cownose ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.