The Munk’s Devil Ray, Mobula munkiana, is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae. They are a fascinating and relatively large species, known for their unique physical characteristics and their role within the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Munk’s Devil Ray, Mobula munkiana, is a distinctive ray species. It can reach a maximum size of 220.0 cm, making it a significant presence in its habitat. Its body shape is characteristic of its family, with a large, flattened, diamond-shaped disc. The dorsal fin is positioned close to the head, a defining feature that helps to distinguish this ray from other Mobulid species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Munk’s Devil Ray, Mobula munkiana, is commonly found in the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters that extend from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This zone is typically characterized by depths ranging from 0.0 to 15.0 meters, where the Munk’s Devil Ray has been observed. Their distribution is concentrated in coastal regions, making them a prevalent presence in these marine environments.
Taxonomy
The Munk’s Devil Ray, Mobula munkiana, is a member of the Class Elasmobranchii, which encompasses all sharks, skates, and rays. They belong to the Order Myliobatiformes, which includes the eagle rays, stingrays, and devil rays. The Mobula munkiana species belongs to the family Mobulidae, which includes the giant manta rays and devil rays.
Feeding
The Munk’s Devil Ray, Mobula munkiana, is a filter feeder, consuming a wide variety of marine organisms. Their diet includes crabs, crustaceans, edible crab, fish (little fishes), shrimps, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. These rays use their gill rakers to filter out their prey from the water column, consuming large quantities of small organisms.
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