Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth butterfly ray (Gymnura micrura) is a saltwater fish of the family Gymnuridae that grows up to 137 cm.
Western and eastern Atlantic, over sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The smooth butterfly ray is a ray of the family Gymnuridae (butterfly rays) reaching a wingspan of about 1.4 metres. The diamond-shaped body is very broad and wing-like — much wider than long — making the ray resemble a butterfly; the upper side is brown and mottled. Unlike many other rays the smooth butterfly ray has a strikingly short, thin tail without a venomous spine, which makes it harmless. The species lives over sand bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries of the western and eastern Atlantic and tolerates brackish water. By day it lies half-buried in the sand; it hunts small fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It is ovoviviparous; through bycatch it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth butterfly ray?
The Smooth butterfly ray has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Ray with a very broad, wing-shaped body that is much wider than long, and a strikingly short, thin tail without a venomous spine.
Where does the Smooth butterfly ray live?
The Smooth butterfly ray lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western and eastern Atlantic, over sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Smooth butterfly ray get?
The Smooth butterfly ray grows to a maximum of about 137 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.
Is the Smooth butterfly ray dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth butterfly ray is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smooth butterfly ray edible?
The Smooth 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 Smooth butterfly ray?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth butterfly ray is one of 12,519 species in the app.