Rhinoptera javanica (Flapnose ray)

Müller & Henle, 1841

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

Rhinoptera javanica (Flapnose ray) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

Easily recognized by its double-lobed snout, indented forehead, and plain color. Normally seven rows of platelike teeth in each jaw. Colour brown above, white below.

Size

To 1.5 m DW.

Range

East coast of southern Africa, Natal and probably Mozambique; Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

Habitat

Inshore tropical seas, found in muddy areas and shallow estuaries.

Biology

An active, strong-swimming ray that occurs in large schools. Eats bivalves.

Human Impact

Occasionally hooked by shore anglers, and sometimes caught in the Natal shark nets.

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