Cowtail Ray

Pastinachus sephen 

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-West Pacific 

Diet : Clams, crustaceans, molluscs, fish 

Size : Up to 1,8 m 

Lifespan : 25 years

Description

The cowtail ray is a large, distinctively shaped stingray, best recognized by its thick body and a long tail with a very deep, flag-like fin fold. 

Behavior

In areas with poor visibility or high turbidity, cowtail rays exhibit a unique, cooperative behavior of assembling in small groups and arranging themselves in a "rosette" position, with their bodies facing inward and tails pointing outward. This allows them to monitor for threats with their tail mechanoreceptors. 

Reproduction

These rays reproduce via aplacental viviparity, with females giving birth to a litter of two. 

Communication & Perception

Cowtail rays produce short, sharp, loud clicks that are audible underwater. These sounds are believed to act as a warning to predators or to warn other rays of potential danger. 

Predator(s)

Sharks, bottlenose dolphins