Cownose Ray

Cownose Ray Facts

• The highly distinctive term Cownose Ray serves as the most frequently used common name to refer to a single species of ray found within the genus Rhinoptera. For the moment, however, at least one subspecies of the animal also appears to exist.
• Quite understandably for those who have encountered one of them, the common name derives from its unique physical appearance.  Moreover, this truly remarkable creature technically currently classifies as a variety of what’s known as a stingray.
• This scientific classification occurs due to the close genetic relationship the animal holds with both skates and sharks. In point of fact, this impressive animal, as well as sharks and skates, all belong to the same fascinating Order; Myliobatiformes. 
• This beautiful creature once appeared to exist in comparatively vast numbers, as well as living across a relatively wide range of distribution. Truly sadly, however, its estimated population now represents only a very tiny fraction of those past numbers.
• For that reason, among others, the IUCN currently lists this incredible animal as Near Threatened on its Red List of Threatened Species. The remarkable species does presently face several ongoing threats to its continued existence, however.
• While not commercially fished, the animal does frequently fall prey to recreational fishermen. It also indirectly suffers from a reduction in its food supply, as pollution has now reduced this. Its greatest threat now comes in the form of ongoing climate change.

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Cownose Ray Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, the beautiful Cownose Ray impresses for reasons other than sheer size. That’s because it ranks as one of the smaller known types of ray found throughout the world. This fact in no way detracts from the awesomeness of the creature, though

In addition to being smaller than many related species, the animal also displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, though, this principle manifests itself in regards to sheer physical size. That’s because males of the species develop as larger than the females.

Males attain an average width  of about 45 in (1. 14 m). These also reach a typical weight of around 50 lb (23 kg). Yet, exceptional specimens occasionally occur. Females, meanwhile, reach a slightly smaller average width, as commonly occurs in species of this type.

In the case of this fascinating animal, this measurement equals roughly 39 in (1 m). The average weight of mature females also typically reaches a total of around 36 lb (16 kg). Unlike in size, specimens of Cownose Ray of both genders display the same basic color pattern.

This pattern of coloration usually consists of a light to dark brown on the upper side of the body. But, the underside of the body of the animal most commonly displays either a whitish or yellowish color. it also has a barbed tail, and mildly venomous teeth on its spine.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Chondrichthyes
• Order: Myliobatiformes
• Family: Rhinopteridae
• Genus: Rhinoptera
• Species: R. bonasus

Cownose Ray Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Thankfully, both for it and those who appreciate Nature, the wonderful Cownose Ray inhabits a comparatively broad range of the world. More specifically, though, that known territory includes portions of the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean.

Consequently, this creature may be seen from the coastal waters of New England, in the United States, in North America, to Brazil, in South America. This fascinating animal also distinguishes itself from many of its brethren in terms of its preferences for type of habitat.

That’s due to the fact that individuals of this species typically appear in areas of shallow, brackish water. This most commonly happens to be where a river empties into the ocean. This wonder of evolution also rarely appears at depths greater than 72 ft (22 m).

The Cownose Ray further remains somewhat famous for its comparatively extensive migrations within its endemic range. The amazing species also tends to migrate and live in huge numbers. These groupings sometimes number as many as 10,000 individuals.

This behavior also remains uncommon among creatures of its type, making it difficult to imagine one of these astounding herds during its migration. Although it differs from its relatives in some ways, its dietary practices remains consistent with related species.

That’s because this carnivore feeds on invertebrates. This typically consists of a variety of clams and oysters. Breeding occurs between June and October. The young are born alive, following an 11-12 month gestation period. It also has an average lifespan of 16 years.

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