AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mobula tarapacana
Chilean Devil Ray
(Philippi, 1892)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, powerful ray with long, pointed, sickle-shaped pectoral fins, a prominent head with forward-facing cephalic fins, and a greyish-brown dorsal surface.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Myliobatiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Mobulidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mobula
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Philippi, 1892)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Pelagic species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, often migrating between surface waters and deeper zones.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A highly migratory, pelagic filter-feeder that utilizes both vertical and horizontal habitat migration.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Forms large aggregations in specific offshore areas for feeding or mating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Pelagic filter feeder.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on zooplankton, specifically copepods, and small schooling fish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Aplacental viviparous; females give birth to a single pup after a long gestation period.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 310.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
50.00 kg - 1000.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
8 - 10 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males possess external claspers; otherwise, sexual dimorphism is minimal.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach similar or slightly larger sizes and lack claspers.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a specialized heat-exchange system (rete mirabile) that allows it to dive into cold, deep waters while keeping its brain and eyes warm.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly susceptible to overfishing, particularly as bycatch in industrial purse-seine and longline fisheries.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Known for its ability to perform spectacular deep-diving excursions, descending to depths of nearly 2,000 meters.