OVERVIEW
IUCN Red List classification.
Bentfin devil rays (Mobula thurstoni) have a distinctive double curvature on the anterior margin of their pectoral fins, while the undersides of their pectoral fins are coloured a beautiful iridescent silver or gold. Bentfin devil rays are usually observed individually, although sometimes small schools of two to six are documented.
While rarely captured in fisheries across the Western Indian Ocean, these devil rays are among the most prevalent of mobulids landed across South East Asia and several other locations globally.
DISC WIDTH
Average: 135cm
Max: 183cm
WEIGHT
Up to 200kg
LIFESPAN
Unknown, but estimated to be at least a decade
KEY FEATURES
Dark mauve to blue-grey dorsally.
Thick black band on top of head that stretches from eye to eye, clearly darker than surrounding background colour.
White ventral surface with silver-brown sheen on distal ends of pectoral fins.
Anterior margin of pectoral fins have a distinctive double curvature with black-grey shading on curve.
White-tipped dorsal fin and no tail spine.
Image Credit: Jason Isley (Scubazoo)
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