Butterfly ray
📖 Overview
Occurs off sandy beaches, muddy estuaries and offshore banks. Found singly or in large groups . Feeds on a variety of fishes, crabs and polychaete worms . Ovoviviparous . Ability to change markings and color to blend into environment . Caught by offshore trawlers . Caught by shore anglers, it is prized for its strong fight when hooked, often released .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0. Broad diamond-shaped pectoral disc almost twice as wide as it is long; tail shorter than body with black and white bands and a small sting; tentacle at rear edge of each spiracle . Grey, green or brown above, often with darker mottling; white below; can change color of upper disc rapidly to match substrate .: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Butterfly ray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
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 . One year gestation; up to 10 young .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 100 m . Subtropical Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Namibia round the Cape to southern Mozambique.
🌿 Ecology
a variety of fishes, crabs and polychaete worms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Butterfly ray ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.