The Shortfin Devil Ray, Shortfin Pygmy Devil Ray, Lesser Devil Ray, Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae. It is a relatively small species, growing to a maximum size of 119.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is characterized by its short, rounded pectoral fins, which give it its name. Its body is flattened, and its snout is short and blunt. It has a pair of large, wing-like pectoral fins that extend forward from the head, forming a disk-shaped body. The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) possesses a long, whip-like tail with a small dorsal fin near the tail’s base. It has a dark gray to black dorsal coloration with lighter coloration on the ventral surface.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is typically found in the epipelagic zone, which is the upper layer of the ocean, from the surface to a depth of 200 meters. However, it has been observed at depths of up to 50.0 meters.
The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is a common inhabitant of coastal waters and is often found near the continental shelf. It may also be found in oceanic waters, but it is less common there. The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is a pelagic species, meaning it lives in the open ocean and does not typically reside near the seabed. Its wide distribution encompasses various marine zones, including the neritic zone, characterized by its proximity to the shoreline, and the oceanic zone, which represents the vast expanse of the open ocean.
Taxonomy
The species Mobula kuhlii belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Mobulidae. The Elasmobranchii class encompasses cartilaginous fishes, including sharks and rays, known for their skeletons composed of cartilage instead of bone. The Myliobatiformes order is characterized by rays, with flattened bodies and gill slits located on the ventral surface, and their pectoral fins are fused to the head. Within this order, the Mobulidae family stands out for its large, wing-like pectoral fins and includes manta rays and devil rays.
Feeding
The Shortfin Devil Ray (Mobula kuhlii) is a filter feeder and primarily consumes small invertebrates, such as zooplankton, by swimming through the water with its mouth open, filtering out its prey. Its diet may also include small fish.
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