Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus)

Also known as Cowfish, Cownose Eagle Ray, Cownose Stingray, Cow-nosed Ray, Flapnose Ray, Manta, Manta Ray

Description

Also known as Cowfish, Cownose Eagle Ray, Cownose Stingray, Cow-nosed Ray, Flapnose Ray, Manta, Manta Ray.

Found in fevers, lying on the bottom or above coral reefs, in sheltered bays as well as out in open waters.They swim together to stir up the sediment, which exposes the clams and oysters which they feed upon, sometimes seen jumping out of the water and landing with a loud smack! These rays are oceanic species, and migrate over large areas.
They feed on bivalves and hard shell invertebrates.
Length - 200m
Depth - 0-25m
Widespread - Eastern Atlantic, Western Atlantic, Caribbean

These beautiful rays can be found gracefully "flying" through the water, often in small schools.
This ray has a stinger, spine, on its tail with teeth lining its sides, close to the ray's body it has a weak venom that causes symptoms similar to that of a bee sting. Ref: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/2584

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