Sicklefin Devil Ray

Sicklefin Devil Ray

Mobula tarapacana

Critically Endangered

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Sicklefin Devil Ray (Mobula tarapacana) is a large pelagic ray distinguished by its olive-green to brown dorsal surface and a disc width that can reach up to 3.7 meters. It inhabits tropical and warm temperate waters globally, from the surface to depths of 2,000 meters, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish. Known for its deep-diving foraging behavior, this species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its low reproductive rate and fishing pressure.

Max Length 3.7 m
Max Weight 400 kg
Lifespan Up to 15 years
Habitat Coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 2000 m
Diet Planktivore
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
Range

Where Sicklefin Devil Ray has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Sicklefin Devil Ray

Where can you see the Sicklefin Devil Ray?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray can be seen at 9 dive destinations in Mexico, Ecuador, and South Africa. The best spots include Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), Baja California Sur (Mexico), Gordon Rocks (Ecuador), Isla Mujeres (Mexico), and Kicker Rock (Ecuador).

What is the best time to see the Sicklefin Devil Ray?

Sightings of the Sicklefin Devil Ray peak at different times depending on the destination: Aliwal Shoal from April to September, Baja California Sur from April to September, Gordon Rocks from March to October, and Kicker Rock from March to October.

Where can you see the Sicklefin Devil Ray in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Sicklefin Devil Ray at Baja California Sur, Isla Mujeres, Revillagigedo Islands, and Socorro Islands.

Where can you see the Sicklefin Devil Ray in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Sicklefin Devil Ray at Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, and Punta Vicente Roca.

Where can you see the Sicklefin Devil Ray in South Africa?

In South Africa, you can see the Sicklefin Devil Ray at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks.

How big does the Sicklefin Devil Ray get?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray can reach up to 3.7 m in length and 400 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Sicklefin Devil Ray live in?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray is found in these habitats: coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Sicklefin Devil Ray live?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray lives from the surface down to 2000 m.

What does the Sicklefin Devil Ray eat?

Lives on plankton, picking drifting animals and larvae out of the water column.

When is the Sicklefin Devil Ray most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Sicklefin Devil Ray live?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray lives up to 15 years.

What is the conservation status of the Sicklefin Devil Ray?

The Sicklefin Devil Ray is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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