Exploring Baja's Flying Rays
Mobulas, also known as devil or flying rays, are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Mobulidae. These rays share a close relationship with manta rays and are classified under the order Myliobatiformes. What sets mobulas apart is their unique and breathtaking behavior, often referred to as "breaching," where they leap spectacularly out of the water.
There are twelve distinct species of mobulas, each with its own set of characteristics and distribution, but for this article, let's focus on the mobulas found in the waters of Baja California, and explore their behaviors.
Chilean Devil Ray (Mobula tarapacana):
Characteristics: The Chilean Devil Ray is a medium-sized mobula species with a diamond-shaped disc that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in width. They have a dark gray to brownish-black coloration on their dorsal side and a lighter shade on their ventral side. They possess long, slender pectoral fins and a whip-like tail.
Distribution: The Chilean Devil Ray is commonly found in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, including the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) along the Baja California Peninsula. They inhabit both coastal and offshore areas, and their range extends from Mexico to Chile.
Behavior: Chilean Devil Rays are highly social creatures and can often be seen in large aggregations. They are known for their acrobatic behavior, frequently leaping out of the water and performing aerial flips. These displays are believed to serve multiple purposes, including communication, courtship rituals, and parasite removal. They are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and small fish by straining them through their specialized gill plates.
Bentfin Devil Ray (Mobula thurstoni):
Characteristics: The Bentfin Devil Ray has a rounded disc shape with a short snout and distinctively curved pectoral fin tips, giving it a bent appearance. They can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in width. They have a dark brown to grayish-brown coloration on their dorsal side and a lighter shade on their ventral side.
Distribution: Bentfin Devil Rays are known to inhabit the waters around Baja California. They have a tropical and subtropical distribution, found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. They can be encountered in various locations within their range.
Behavior: Bentfin Devil Rays are known for their schooling behavior, often forming groups that can include hundreds of individuals. They are agile swimmers and can travel long distances during migrations. Like other mobulas, they exhibit breaching behavior, leaping out of the water and slapping their fins on the surface. They are filter feeders, using their gill rakers to capture planktonic organisms and small fish.
Spinetail Mobula (Mobula japanica):
Characteristics: The Spinetail Mobula has an elongated, slender disc shape with pointed pectoral fins and a prominent, whip-like tail. They can reach a disc width of up to 2.4 meters (8 feet). They have a dark brown to grayish-brown coloration on their dorsal side and a lighter shade on their ventral side.
Distribution: While sightings of Spinetail Mobulas in the waters of Baja California are less common, they are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their distribution extends from the coast of California to as far as Japan and Australia.
Behavior: Spinetail Mobulas are known for their swift and agile swimming abilities. They are capable of making powerful leaps out of the water, often displaying aerial acrobatics. These displays are thought to play a role in communication, courtship, or predator avoidance. Like other mobulas, they are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small fish by filtering them from the water using their specialized gill plates.
By Matias Rivero
Exploring the world of mobulas in Baja California opens our eyes to the incredible biodiversity and natural wonders found in these waters. By appreciating and understanding these remarkable creatures, we gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of marine life and the importance of conservation efforts.
So, whether you are an adventurer seeking to witness their breathtaking leaps or a conservationist dedicated to preserving their habitats, mobulas offer an unforgettable experience that connects us to the wonders of the ocean. Let us continue to explore, protect, and cherish these magnificent creatures, ensuring their presence for generations to come.
