Blue Whale in Costa Rica
October 30th, 2012
The cow-nosed rays found in the Pacific waters belong to the order Rajiformes and the family Myliobatidae. The scientific name for this specie is “Rhinoptera steindachneri”. According to scientists and marine biologists who have extensively researched this specific rhinoptera, the cow-nosed ray is pretty common in the Pacific coast. Their alternate names are ‘golden cownose’ or ‘hawk rays’. They are supposed to originate from the family of eagle rays which is another common type of stingray in the Pacific area. Cow-nosed rays belonging to this area have been described to have a lobe situated beneath the rostrum and a median ridge. Near the end or base of their long tail, the cow nosed rays have one dorsal fin which helps them in cutting through the water easily and quickly. They also have a couple of stingers at the edge of their tail which is shaped like a whip. The rays have beautifully attractive colors in their body ranging from dark brown to gold on the upper side. The underside of their bodies is a soft whitish color. The width of their bodies is believed to be approximately 90 cm. They are usually found nearby reefs in the sea with a depth range of 0 – 30 m. Rays usually travel in small groups or families and can sometimes also be found in a large school.
More on the Cow-Nosed Rays
In the entire family of rays in the ocean, this specific type is the only one to be found in the Pacific waters. Peru, Galapagos Islands and Gulf of California are some of the places where these rays have made homes. Wherever there are reefs and corals, these rays can easily be found inhabiting the area. Scuba divers do not have to dive very deep to find these rays unless they are situated in a deeper place which is unlikely. Some people have reported the rays to jump out of the water at certain times and they can also be seen under the surface of the water. Mollusks and some types of crustaceans make up the diet of the cow-nosed rays. The subrostral fins of the ray can use the water expulsion from the area and electrical charges sent out by bivalves to search for prey. Since their food is covered in a hard shell, the rays have strong teeth on both jaws to break through that shell. Their teeth are constructed in flat planes which grind together their prey until it can be easily consumed.
Early Life and Related Facts about the Cow Nosed Rays
Not too much is known about the early life and origins of the cow nosed rays found in the Pacific waters. Scientists have found that the life status of these rays is highly threatened and there is a very real chance of them becoming extinct in the near future. It is one of the vital branches of ray families in Mexico and surrounding areas. The species does migrate to warmer parts when the winter visits the Pacific area and Costa Rica especially. These are most usually found in shallow water inhabiting reefs and corals in the sea. The cow nosed rays are threatened by a multitude of different fish and sharks throughout the sea which might endanger the entire species.
Video for the Cow Nosed Ray
References
“Pacific Cownose Rays, Rhinoptera steindachneri at MarineBio.org”. MarineBio.org. 24 October 2012 <http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=99>
http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/myliobatiformes.htm
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