Butterfly Ray

Butterfly Ray

Gymnura spp.

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

Butterfly rays (Gymnura spp.) are flattened, diamond-shaped cartilaginous fish characterized by extremely wide pectoral fins and very short tails. They are demersal, primarily inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms of shallow coastal and estuarine waters worldwide, though some species can be found in deeper open water. Their diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, and they are known to bury themselves in the sand for camouflage and ambush hunting.

Max Length 400 cm
Max Weight 290 kg
Lifespan Up to 24 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, and open water
Depth Range 0 - 500 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Unknown
Social Behavior Aggregative

Destinations to spot Butterfly Ray

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Butterfly Ray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Butterfly Ray

Where can you see the Butterfly Ray?

The Butterfly Ray can be seen at 4 dive destinations in Belize and Mexico. The best spots include Great Blue Hole (Belize), Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Socorro Islands (Mexico), and Turneffe Atoll (Belize).

Where can you see the Butterfly Ray in Belize?

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

Where can you see the Butterfly Ray in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Butterfly Ray at Isla Mujeres and Socorro Islands.

How big does the Butterfly Ray get?

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

What habitat does the Butterfly Ray live in?

The Butterfly Ray is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, and open water.

How deep does the Butterfly Ray live?

The Butterfly Ray lives from the surface down to 500 m.

What does the Butterfly Ray eat?

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

How long does the Butterfly Ray live?

The Butterfly Ray lives up to 24 years.

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

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