VU
Vulnerable
A
Animalia
N
Native
Archipelago Wide (sea)
Mobula ray, commonly referred to as "devil ray", are a group of graceful and highly agile rays that are often spotted in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. These marine animals belong to the same family as the larger manta rays but are typically smaller in size. Mobulas are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring flat, diamond-shaped bodies, wide pectoral fins, and a pair of cephalic fins that resemble "horns" on either side of their heads, giving them their devilish nickname. In the Galapagos, mobulas are frequently seen swimming near the surface or performing acrobatic leaps out of the water, a behavior that remains a bit of a mystery to scientists. These rays tend to travel in schools, sometimes forming groups of hundreds, creating spectacular sights for divers and snorkelers. Mobulas are filter feeders, using their large mouths to consume plankton and other small organisms as they glide through the ocean. Although they are not endemic to the Galapagos, mobulas are frequent visitors to the archipelago's waters, particularly drawn to the nutrient-rich currents like the Cromwell Current, which supports their food sources. Despite their wide distribution, they face threats from bycatch in fishing nets and changes in their marine environments. Their presence in the Galapagos highlights the region's role as a sanctuary for many migratory marine species.