The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray, scientifically known as Urobatis maculatus, is a species of ray found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This fascinating creature is characterized by its distinctive spotted pattern and rounded body shape. It is a relatively small ray, reaching a maximum size of 42.0 cm. The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray is a fascinating example of marine biodiversity and plays a vital role in its ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray, Urobatis maculatus, is easily recognizable due to its unique physical characteristics. Its most prominent feature is its rounded body shape, which gives it a distinct appearance compared to other ray species. The dorsal surface of the ray is adorned with numerous dark brown spots that are scattered across a light brown background, lending it its common name. The ray’s underside is predominantly white, contrasting sharply with its spotted upper surface.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray, Urobatis maculatus, prefers to inhabit the sandy bottoms of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is commonly found in coastal waters, with a depth range of 1.0 to 30.0 meters. This species thrives in various marine zones, from the Neritic Zone (the shallow waters along the coast) to the Oceanic Zone (open ocean waters). It is a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray, Urobatis maculatus, belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Myliobatiformes, and Family: Urotrygonidae. The Class Elasmobranchii encompasses cartilaginous fish, such as sharks and rays, which have a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone. The Order Myliobatiformes includes a variety of rays, characterized by their flattened bodies and enlarged pectoral fins. The Family Urotrygonidae, to which the Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray belongs, is a group of stingrays that are typically found in coastal waters, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms.
Feeding
The Spotted Round Ray, Cortez Round Stingray, Urobatis maculatus, is a predatory species with a diet consisting primarily of invertebrates. Its feeding habits include consuming various organisms such as amphipods, clams, crustaceans, small fish, shrimps, snails, and worms. This diverse diet reflects the ray’s adaptability and its significant role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
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