Pygmy devilray  (Mobula eregoodootenkee)

Classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (1).

In many ways, the pygmy devilray resembles its larger and more iconic relative, the manta ray (3). Large pectoral fins, fused to the sides of its head, form a diamond shaped wing-like disc, which it gracefully strokes up and down to move efficiently through the water column (3) (4) (5). From above, its body is broadly brownish-grey, but underneath it is mostly white (6). Extending forward from either side of its head are two prominent lobes that funnel plankton into the mouth on the underside of its head (4) (5). The eyes are positioned on the side of the head and the broad gill openings are situated underneath the front half of the pectoral fins (5). A thin, spineless tail projects from the rear of its flattened body (3) (5).

The pygmy devilray is found in tropical coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean, from South Africa north to the Red Sea and eastwards as far as Vietnam, New Guinea and northern Australia. It has not been recorded from oceanic islands (1) (2).

Usually found near the surface of coastal waters (1) (2).

Very little is known about the biology of the pygmy devilray but mating is known to take place in shallow water, with each litter usually comprising just one offspring (1). In a form of reproduction known as ovoviviparity, the embryo develops in a membranous egg within the mother. After hatching, it remains in the mother and continues to be nourished by the yolk sac until it is ready to emerge. Like other mobulid species, adult and juvenile pygmy devilrays feed on plankton and small fish (1) (5).

Although only marketed in Thailand, and possibly other parts of southeast Asia, the pygmy devilray is caught as bycatch in several fisheries in other parts of its range (1) (2). As this species is likely to have a low reproductive output, there are concerns that fishing pressure could be having a signifincat impact on the stability of its global population (1).

There are no conservation measures in place for the pygmy devilray.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

To find out more about the conservation of rays and sharks, see:

• Save Our Seas Foundation:
  www.saveourseas.com

• IUCN Shark Specialist Group:
  www.iucnssg.org