Longhorned pygmy devil rays (Mobula eregoodoo) are small rays, reaching a maximum disc width of just 130cm (4.3ft). The unique gill plate structure, elongated neck and long cephalic lobes make this species easy to identify in fisheries landings. While underwater, the distinct black shading on the leading edge of the pectoral fin at the mid-point ventrally, and the dark brown stripe which runs along the anterior margin of the pectoral fins dorsally, are together useful identifiers.
Longhorned pygmy devil rays are often observed underwater in schools of a dozen or more individuals. The primary threats to them include fisheries throughout their range, where they are landed relatively frequently in Pakistan and Indonesia. |
