Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific cownose ray (Rhinoptera steindachneri) is a saltwater fish of the family Myliobatidae that grows up to 92 cm.
North America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru
Description
The Pacific cownose ray is an eagle ray (Rhinopteridae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, from California to Peru. The species grows to about 75 cm wide and has a flattened, diamond-shaped, brown body with pointed wings, an indented cow-nosed snout and a long whip tail with a venomous spine at its base. As an active swimmer it forms large schools over sand and mud bottoms and crushes shellfish and crustaceans. The tail spine can give a painful sting wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific cownose ray?
The Pacific cownose ray has an irregular in shape body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Pacific cownose ray live?
The Pacific cownose ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru
How big does the Pacific cownose ray get?
The Pacific cownose ray grows to a maximum of about 92 cm.
Is the Pacific cownose ray dangerous to humans?
The Pacific cownose ray is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from the tail spine: rinse the wound with seawater, apply pressure to limit bleeding and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C). The wound is often deep and may contain spine fragments; seek medical care, have the wound cleaned and check tetanus status.
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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 Pacific cownose ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific cownose ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.