| Gymnuridae (Butterfly rays) |
| 250 cm WD (male/unsexed); max.weight: 83 kg |
|
demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 100 m |
| Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Namibia round the Cape to southern Mozambique. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0. 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 (Ref. 5578). Grey, green or brown above, often with darker mottling; white below; can change color of upper disc rapidly to match substrate (Ref. 5578). |
| Occurs off sandy beaches, muddy estuaries and offshore banks. Found singly or in large groups (Ref. 5578). Feeds on a variety of fishes, crabs and polychaete worms (Ref. 5578). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Ability to change markings and color to blend into environment (Ref. 3263). Caught by offshore trawlers (Ref. 5578). Caught by shore anglers, it is prized for its strong fight when hooked, often released (Ref. 5578). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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