Large pelagic batoid distinguished by a rhomboidal disc with sharply pointed “wings,” long whip‑like tail (often > 3 × disc length) and prominent, up‑turned head bearing a blunt, shovel‑like snout. Dorsal surface dark chocolate‑brown to black, densely sprinkled with white to pale‑blue spots and ocelli; ventrum stark white. Adults reach disc widths of 180–330 cm and weights to 230 kg; females grow larger than males. A single dorsal fin sits just behind the pelvic fins; the tail carries one to five serrated venomous spines near its base. Spiracles are large, set behind eyes, and help respiration while the ray rests on sand. Juveniles show proportionally shorter tails and sparser spotting.
Note*
‡ Eastern‑Pacific populations formerly treated as Aetobatus narinari were separated in 2014; A. laticeps is the taxon occurring on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, while A. narinari sensu stricto is found in the Caribbean. The two are virtually identical ecologically, so information below applies to both within Costa Rican waters.
Yes — females larger with broader discs; males possess claspers and slightly longer tails relative to disc width.
Disc width 1.8–3.3 m; total length (with tail) 3–5 m
80–230 kg (females > males)
~25 yr in wild; max recorded 28 yr
Data deficient
Data deficient
Females 4–6 yr (≈ 155 cm DW); males 3–5 yr (≈ 135 cm DW)
Mating observed mainly late dry–early wet season (Feb – May) in Pacific; year‑round in Caribbean
–4 pups (mean 2) per litter; reproductive cycle biennial
Large pelagic batoid distinguished by a rhomboidal disc with sharply pointed “wings,” long whip‑like tail (often > 3 × disc length) and prominent, up‑turned head bearing a blunt, shovel‑like snout. Dorsal surface dark chocolate‑brown to black, densely sprinkled with white to pale‑blue spots and ocelli; ventrum stark white. Adults reach disc widths of 180–330 cm and weights to 230 kg; females grow larger than males. A single dorsal fin sits just behind the pelvic fins; the tail carries one to five serrated venomous spines near its base. Spiracles are large, set behind eyes, and help respiration while the ray rests on sand. Juveniles show proportionally shorter tails and sparser spotting.
Note*
‡ Eastern‑Pacific populations formerly treated as Aetobatus narinari were separated in 2014; A. laticeps is the taxon occurring on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, while A. narinari sensu stricto is found in the Caribbean. The two are virtually identical ecologically, so information below applies to both within Costa Rican waters.
Coastal and shelf waters from surf zone to ~80 m depth; frequents coral and rocky reefs, sandy bays, estuary mouths and offshore islands (e.g., Isla del Caño, Cocos Island).
Mid‑level predator feeding on benthic bivalves, gastropods, crabs and occasionally small fishes; prey excavation bioturbates sediment, enhancing nutrient cycling.
A. Social Structure & Behaviour
Activity pattern: mainly diurnal‑crepuscular; forages over sandy flats and rests in mid‑water at night.
Group size: typically solitary or in pairs; loose groups of 5 – 20 at rich feeding sites; seasonal “schools” of up to 100 along seamount chains (e.g., the Cocos Ridge).
Reproductive system: aplacental viviparous; courtship “trains” of 2 – 4 males pursuing one female and competing by grasping her pelvic fins; gestation ≈ 12 months.
Territoriality: non‑territorial but shows strong site fidelity to feeding grounds and cleaning stations.
Communication: visual signals (synchronized gliding, accentuating spot pattern) and gentle nips during courtship; likely short‑range electroreceptive recognition.
Special behaviours: surface breaches up to 3 m—probably parasite removal or acoustic signaling; excavates bivalves leaving circular “feeding pits” on t
Can detect buried bivalves using electro‑receptors called ampullae of Lorenzini.
Forms schooling “trains” of 50+ individuals that migrate along Pacific seamount chains.
Each ray’s spot pattern is unique—researchers photo‑ID individuals much like whale sharks.
Record-breaking breaches show rays leaping 3 m out of water, sometimes spinning mid‑air.
Unlike manta rays, it possesses venomous tail spines that can inflict painful wounds if mishandled.
