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🌊 Marine Near Threatened ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Subtropical

California butterfly ray

Gymnura marmorata Cooper, 1864
Max Length
100 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4
Depth
1–94 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
50.00/100
Typical Length
95 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Inhabits warm-temperate to tropical shallow bays and beaches . Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes . Ovoviviparous . Has a small venom apparatus which has limited use as a defense organ . Maximum length reported to reach 150 cm .

Scientific Name
Gymnura marmorata
Authority
Cooper, 1864
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
100 cm
Depth Range
1–94 m
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
50.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for California butterfly ray is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for California butterfly ray is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures . Distinct pairing with embrace .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 94 m . Subtropical; 44°N -

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4±0.65
Food Items

crustaceans and small fishes (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00851 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
100cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
50.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Cooper, 1864

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English California butterfly ray
🌍CES křídloun mramorovaný
🇩🇪German Kalifornischer Schmetterlingsrochen
🇮🇹Italian Altavela californiana
🇳🇱Dutch Californische vlinderrog
🇵🇹Portuguese Raia-borboleta-da-Califórnia
🇷🇺Russian Мраморный скат-бабочка
🇪🇸Spanish Raya Mariposa · raya mariposa californiana

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Pteroplatea marmorata Cooper 1864 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 20 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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