Genus: Mobula, Mobulas, Devil Rays
disc much wider than long, wing tips pointed
front head - 1 soft horn each side of mouth
mouth at front, or under snout
mouth at front, or under snout
MOBULA
DEVIL RAYS, MOBULAS
Mantas are medium to large rays (1-7 m in width) in which the disc is much broader than long, the tips of the wings pointed; the head distinctly raised from disc; a pair of large protruding flaps at the front of the head extending forward before each side of the mouth; those flaps formed from the front edges of pectoral fins; eyes and spiracles on sides of head; mouth opens at front or a little under snout; teeth minute, in many series on 1 or both jaws; tail with a small dorsal fin at its base, whip-like, shorter than disc width, some species with poisonous spines.
A circumtropical genus with 8 or 9 species; 4 species occur in our region.
