AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gymnura marmorata
California Butterfly Ray
(Cooper, 1864)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A butterfly ray characterized by a very broad, diamond-shaped disc that is much wider than it is long. Coloration is typically mottled grey or brown to camouflage with sandy bottoms.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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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).Gymnuridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gymnura
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cooper, 1864)
Record Completeness
83%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.
Stable
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
Common in bays, estuaries, and sandy coastal areas; often buries itself in the sediment to avoid predators.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly sedentary, emerging to hunt during specific tidal conditions.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, though they may congregate in favorable feeding areas.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic ambush predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Preys on small bottom fishes and crustaceans.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Ovoviviparous; embryos develop inside the mother protected by a yolk sac before birth.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
40.0 - 100.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.00 kg - 10.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.4 - 8
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.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 6
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females6 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller than females and have visible claspers.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger, reaching significantly wider disc spans.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The extremely wide, thin disc allows it to 'glide' along the bottom and rapidly bury itself in sand using undulatory movements.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to degradation of coastal habitats and incidental capture in artisanal and commercial gillnet fisheries.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
When resting on the bottom, they are nearly invisible due to their exceptional ability to blend with the substrate's color and texture.