Cownose Ray
© Copyright Congratulafins
Javanese Cownose Ray
Scientific name:
Rhinoptera javanica
Max length:
165 cm DW
Description:
Brown to golden brown on top, and white below, with a stout body and triangular ‘wings’. A crease in the lobes and a notched head create a cow-nose likeness that gives this ray its name.
Distribution:
It is found in the Indo-Pacific off China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam and possibly Australia.
Habitat:
Its natural habitats are open seas, shallow seas, subtidal aquatic beds, coral reefs, estuarine waters, and coastal saline lagoons.
Reproduction:
They are ovoviviparous, eggs develop and are hatched within the body of the mother. Embryos live off of energy obtained from yolk sacs, and then later in their development are nourished by the uterine secretions of their mother. Only after the young are able to survive on their own does the mother give birth to her young. Generally, each female only produces one pup at a time. Gestation period is 12 months.
Diet:
Clams, crustaceans, oysters
IUCN Red List Status:
VU
References:
https://www.fishbase.us
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/