Bat ray explained

Species Description

The bat ray (Myliobatis californica) is an eagle ray[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] that has a diamond ray-like form that consists of pectoral fins that are wing-like and end in blunt points. The head is broad and raised higher than the pectoral fins. The eyes are laterally situated on the broad head. Below the front of the head projection is a horizontal depression. This means that instead of the head being flat, there is a slight indent in the top of the head in between the eyes. The tail is whip-like and is typically incomplete with at least one venomous spine at the base of the tail. The incomplete aspect means that the tail consists of cartilage instead of bone. The dorsal side is black or a dark brown while the ventral side is white with the exception of the areas close to the tips or disk.[6]

Notes and References

  1. van Hees, K.; Pien, C.; Ebert, D.A.; Cailliet, G.M.; Smith, W.D. (2015). "Myliobatis californicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T39416A80677869. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T39416A80677869.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. Gill, T.N. (1865). "Note on the family of myliobatoids, and on a new species of Aetobatis". Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. N. Y. 8, 135–138.
  3. "Myliobatis californica". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 11 March 2006.
  4. [Rainer Froese|Froese, Rainer]
  5. Florida Museum of Natural History. Bat Ray Biological Profile. Retrieved 2006-01-16.
  6. Monterey Bay Aquarium Online Field Guide. Bat Ray. Retrieved 2012-06-14.
  7. "Bat Rays ~ MarineBio Conservation Society". 2017-05-18. Retrieved 2022-10-20
  8. Feder, H. M., Turner, C. H., & Limbaugh, C. (1974). Fish Bulletin 160. Observations On Fishes Associated With Kelp Beds in Southern California. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73m5c8qm The largest specimens can grow to a wingspan of 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) and a mass of 91 kg (201 lb).[6] There is a record of this species reaching 240 pounds, however large specimens are typically closer to 200 pounds. They typically range from 9.07–13.61 kg (20.0–30.0 lb). The size of the bat ray is dependent on many factors, such as habitat alterations and different oceanographic and environmental conditions. Some bat rays are solitary, while others form schools numbering in the thousands.[7]

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bat ray".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.