Description

Also known as Bentfin Devilray, Bentfin Mobula, Lesser Devilray, Mante Vampire, Smoothtail Devilray, Smoothtail Mobularay, Thurston's Devilray.

Found singly, or in small squadrons, usually along coastlines but sometimes in oceanic waters. These beautiful creatures are a threatened species.
They feed on planktonic crustaceans.
Length - 220cm
Depth - 0-100m
Circumtropical

They belong to the family of Devil Rays who are identified by head fins, which when rolled up 'look like horns' and when unfurled they act like a funnel for the mouth when feeding on plankton and fish larvae. they are filter feeders,found at cleaning stations, along reef edges and at the surface.

These beautiful graceful rays are huge and awesome to see.
They can leap into the air and give a flat resounding crash as a ton of flesh hits the water. They have no teeth or grinders, no tail stinger, but rely on speed to survive. (From "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau)

The first time one of our son's saw this coming towards him when he was snorkelling alone by the dive boat he thought he was "DEAD MEAT"
When we surfaced and then dived down to look he knew he was safe!! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/2588