American Cownose Ray
Rhinoptera bonasus
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—
Species Profile
Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.
FWC
Appearance
- Broad angular disc (body shape) brown to olive, with no spots or markings
- Pectoral fins ("wings") are long and pointed
- Snout is projecting, squarish, with an indentation at center (almost bi-lobed)
- Two small cephalic lobes or flaps protruding from front of head
- Mouth small, sub-terminal
- Tail is whip-like with one to two spine(s) at the base just behind a small dorsal fin
Habitat
A pelagic species found in bays, estuaries, river mouths, and open ocean. Present in some estuaries year-round.
Behavior
Non-aggressive species of little danger to humans with the exception of their defensive venomous barb located near the base of the tail.
Known to form large schools containing 100s or 1,000s of individuals. Migrates seasonally in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. Atlantic coast (north is spring/summer, south in fall/winter).
They are opportunistic benthic feeders. Their diet consists mainly of bivalve mollusks, crustaceans, and various other benthic invertebrates (i.e., clams, oysters, shrimp, marine worms).
Additional information