OVERVIEW
IUCN Red List classification.
Shorthorned pygmy devil rays (Mobula kuhlii), with their triangular pectoral fins and relatively short cephalic fins, are extremely agile. These pygmy devils feed individually or in small shoals of 5-15 individuals (sometimes up to 50+ though) on swarms of mysid shrimps or larval fish fry.
This species is not frequently encountered in fishery surveys outside of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mozambique. However, because most survey effort across the range of this this nearshore species focuses on pelagic fisheries, landing by artisanal coastal fisheries are likely to be under-reported. Overall, an increase in fisheries data and key life history information for this species throughout its range means its status on the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species is defined as Endangered.
DISC WIDTH
Average: 100cm
Max: 122cm
WEIGHT
Up to 25kg
LIFESPAN
Unknown
KEY FEATURES
Variable hues dorsally, from mauve, through dark to light grey and chocolate brown.
Dark ‘collar’ in half-moon shape from side to side above spiracles.
Pale grey stripe runs along the anterior dorsal margin of pectoral fins.
Often possessing a white-tipped dorsal fin.
Short-necked appearance.
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