Spinetail devil ray
📖 Overview
An epipelagic species found over continental shelves and near oceanic islands . Occurs singly or in groups . Feeds mainly on euphausiids (mainly Nictiphanes simplex), and to a lesser extent on copepods and crustacean larvae; also on small pelagic fishes and crustaceans , by funnelling using their cephalic fins and then trapping or filtering the food through their specialised gill plates . Acoustic tracks record the species to spend time above the thermocline at night to feed on krill (H. Dewar, pers.comm. 05/2000). Max length of female from Ref. 50641. Ovoviviparous . Bycatch mortalities have been reported from Mediterranean fisheries - large-scale driftnets, purse seines and trawls, bottom set nets, trammel nets, longlines and even fixed traps for tuna. Very common by-catch of the gillnet fisheries targeting skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). It is utilized for its meat as protein source (except the head), its gill filter plates (of very high value and as an ingredient in Chinese medicine, Ref. 115943), its cartilage and skin .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Larger than M. hypostoma, tail with spine and prickles .: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spinetail devil 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 . With one in a litter . Size at birth 85-92 cm WD.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 700 m , usually 0 - 200 m . Subtropical; 53°N - 13°N
🌿 Ecology
euphausiids (mainly Nictiphanes simplex), and to a lesser extent on copepods and crustacean larvae;
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mobula Mobular is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 174 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spinetail devil ray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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