Spiny Butterfly Ray
Gymnura altavela
- Group: Ray
- Typical depth: 5–100 m
- Max size: 4 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: EN
This ray is far wider than it is long, its body drawn out into broad triangular wings that span well over a metre. It lies on sand and mud and feeds on fish, crustaceans, molluscs and plankton, carrying its young live after a gestation of about six months. Heavily fished across its range, it has slipped to endangered status.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Myliobatiformes › Gymnuridae › Gymnura
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 105856.
FAQ
- How deep does the Spiny Butterfly Ray live?
- The Spiny Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela) is typically found at 5–100 m.
- Is the Spiny Butterfly Ray dangerous to divers?
- The Spiny Butterfly Ray is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Spiny Butterfly Ray get?
- The Spiny Butterfly Ray grows to about 4 m.