Spiny Butterfly Ray

Spiny Butterfly Ray

Gymnura altavela

Endangered
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DESCRIPTION

The Spiny Butterfly Ray is a large, flattened ray characterized by its broad, diamond-shaped disc and a short tail featuring one or more serrated spines. It typically inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal and brackish waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea. As a carnivorous predator, its diet consists of various fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and plankton. This species is currently classified as Endangered globally due to significant population declines from fishing pressure and habitat degradation.

Max Length 400 cm
Max Weight 290 kg
Lifespan 8 - 18 years
Habitat Seabed and coastal zone
Depth Range 5 - 500 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Solitary

Destinations to spot Spiny Butterfly Ray

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Spiny Butterfly Ray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spiny Butterfly Ray

Where can you see the Spiny Butterfly Ray?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray can be seen at 12 dive destinations in Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Spain, and South Africa. The best spots include Andros Barrier Reef (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas), Canary Islands (Spain), Cozumel (Mexico), and Exuma Cays (Bahamas).

Where can you see the Spiny Butterfly Ray in Bahamas?

In Bahamas, you can see the Spiny Butterfly Ray at Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, Exuma Cays, and Tiger Beach.

Where can you see the Spiny Butterfly Ray in Belize?

In Belize, you can see the Spiny Butterfly Ray at Glovers Reef, Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Turneffe Atoll.

Where can you see the Spiny Butterfly Ray in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Spiny Butterfly Ray at Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.

How big does the Spiny Butterfly Ray get?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray can reach up to 400 cm in length and 290 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Spiny Butterfly Ray live in?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray is found in these habitats: seabed and coastal zone.

How deep does the Spiny Butterfly Ray live?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray lives between 5 and 500 m deep.

What does the Spiny Butterfly Ray eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Spiny Butterfly Ray most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

Does the Spiny Butterfly Ray live in groups?

No. The Spiny Butterfly Ray is mostly solitary and is usually seen on its own.

How long does the Spiny Butterfly Ray live?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray lives 8 to 18 years.

What is the conservation status of the Spiny Butterfly Ray?

The Spiny Butterfly Ray is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Spiny Butterfly Ray. Spotted something that looks off?

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