Gymnura natalensis (Diamond ray)

(Gilchrist & Thompson, 1911)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) > Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Batoidei >  Myliobatoidei > Gymnuridae 

Gymnura natalensis (Diamond ray) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

The only ray in the area with a broad diamond-shaped pectoral disk, almost twice as wide as long. Tail with black and white bands and much shorter than body length, tentacle present at rear edge of each spiracle, and a small sting near tail base. Colour grey, green, or brownish above, often with darker mottling, white below; can change upper color rapidly to match substrate.

Size

To 2.5 m DW.

Range

Virtually the entire area, from central Namibia to Mozambique. Endemic.

Habitat

Close inshore off sandy beaches and in muddy estuaries to offshore banks at 75 m depth.

Biology

Common. Feeds on flatfishes, sardines, gurnards, crabs, mole crabs, and polychaete worms. Bears up to 10 young. Occurs singly or in large groups.

Human Impact

Popular with anglers for its strong fight when hooked, often released; also caught in the Natal anti-shark nets and by offshore trawlers.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale