Gymnura marmorata (Cooper, 1864)
California butterfly ray
Gymnura marmorata
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Gymnuridae (Butterfly rays)
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 94 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits warm-temperate to tropical shallow bays and beaches (Ref. 2850). Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes (Ref. 37955). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Has a small venom apparatus which has limited use as a defense organ (Ref. 37955). Maximum length reported to reach 150 cm (Ref. 37955).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 07 February 2019 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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