Rhinoptera bonasus
These rays travel through the water column in large groups, or schools.
When they search for food, it kicks up an underwater sand storm.
Size Up to 36 inches wide
Diet Oysters, clams, snails and crabs
Lifespan Thought to be 13-18 years
Range Atlantic Ocean from New England to Brazil and along the coast of western Africa
Habitat These coastline-swimming rays can be found in waters up to 72 feet below the surface.
Predators Although cownose rays can grow large enough to fend off most predators, they are still hunted by large sharks such as the great hammerhead and bull sharks.
Relatives Cownose rays are one of 42 species that belong to the Myliobatidae family that includes eagle rays and manta rays. Rays are closely related to sharks and skates.
Family life This species of ray is known for traveling in large groups. Schools of up to 10,000 rays have been seen between Florida and the Yucatan in Mexico. Like many species of sharks and rays, cownose rays develop within eggs that are carried and hatch in their mother’s uterus. Mothers usually give birth to one pup per pregnancy.
Conservation status Near Threatened The current population of cownose rays has not been accurately measured, but the species may be at risk due to fishing. These rays reproduce slowly, making it hard for them to recover from such threats.
Explore other profiles Check out moon jellies, sand tiger sharks and green sea turtles.
Aquarium home movies: cownose ray
Visit me at the Aquarium
The New England Aquarium has cownose rays and southern stingrays on display in the Giant Ocean Tank.
We are making a difference
Many sharks and rays are killed every year by fisheries that are seeking other species. The Aquarium’s research department is looking for ways to reduce the rate of these accidents, called bycatch.
Blue Lifestyle tips
Do the stingray shuffle! When wading in waters known to have stingrays, shuffle your feet along the sandy bottom. This warns rays that you are around so they can glide away without anyone getting hurt.