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Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) — Myliobatidae

Munk's devil ray

Mobula munkiana
Family: Myliobatidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) is a saltwater fish of the family Myliobatidae that grows up to 220 cm.

Length
220 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–15.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Munk's devil ray is a devil ray (Mobulidae) from the open eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.1 metres across and has a diamond-shaped, flattened body with long, wing-like pectoral fins and a pair of horn-like cephalic fins that guide food to the mouth. Unlike many stingrays it lacks a functional venomous spine. As a filter feeder it swims in schools through open water and strains zooplankton and small fish. It is known for its acrobatic leaps out of the water and is vulnerable to bycatch. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Munk's devil ray?

The Munk's devil ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly black.

Where does the Munk's devil ray live?

The Munk's devil ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Peru

How big does the Munk's devil ray get?

The Munk's devil ray grows to a maximum of about 220 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Munk's devil ray dangerous to humans?

No, the Munk's devil ray is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Munk's devil ray edible?

Yes, the Munk's devil ray is commonly eaten.

More photos

Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) — Myliobatidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) David Robichaud, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) — Myliobatidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Cullen Hanks, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana) — Myliobatidae — 4
Angela Thomas (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Munk's devil ray sourced
Scientific name
Mobula munkiana
Family
Myliobatidae
Other names
Pygmy devil ray; Smoothtail mobula; Munk's pygmy devil ray verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
220.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Mobula

More from the family Myliobatidae

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