Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese butterfly ray (Gymnura japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Gymnuridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Asia: Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (North) and others
Description
The Japanese butterfly ray is a butterfly ray (Gymnuridae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 1 metre across and has a very broad, diamond-shaped, flattened, brown-grey disc that is far wider than long, and a short tail with a small venomous spine. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms and hunts small fish, shrimp and molluscs. The tail spine can cause a painful wound; remain cautious.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese butterfly ray?
The Japanese butterfly ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Japanese butterfly ray live?
The Japanese butterfly ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (North) and others
How big does the Japanese butterfly ray get?
The Japanese butterfly ray grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Japanese butterfly ray dangerous to humans?
The Japanese butterfly ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Leave the water and rinse the wound with clean water; do not remove embedded spine fragments on the spot. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C) to ease pain. A sting to the torso, chest or abdomen is an emergency: call medical help immediately and check tetanus status.
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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 Japanese butterfly ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese butterfly ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.