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Gymnura micrura, commonly known as the Smooth Butterfly Ray or Raia-manteiga, is a species of cartilaginous fish belonging to the family Gymnuridae. It is characterized by its exceptionally broad, disc-shaped body, which is significantly wider than it is long, resembling a butterfly. This ray is typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons, often burying itself in sandy or muddy substrates. It is a demersal species, feeding primarily on small benthic invertebrates and fishes. While generally docile, like all rays, it possesses a short, venomous spine at the base of its tail, which can inflict a painful, though rarely life-threatening, wound.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- flat
- Coloração
- Dorsal surface typically light brown, grey, or olive, often with darker spots or mottling that aids in camouflage. Ventral surface is white or cream-colored.
- Tipo de escama
- none
- Posição da boca
- inferior
- Características distintivas
- Extremely broad, rhomboidal disc, much wider than long (disc width typically 1.6-2.0 times disc length)., Very short, whip-like tail, significantly shorter than the disc, lacking dorsal fins., Small, often rudimentary, caudal spine (sting) located near the base of the tail., Eyes and spiracles are located dorsally.
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Absent
- Nadadeira caudal
- Very short, whip-like, without caudal fin lobes; often with a small, venomous spine at the base.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Greatly expanded, forming the majority of the disc.
- Nadadeiras características
- Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins.
Dicas de identificação
Disc Shape
The most distinguishing feature is its extremely wide, rhomboidal disc, which is noticeably wider than it is long. This 'butterfly' shape is unique among most rays.
Tail Length
The tail is remarkably short, often less than half the length of the disc, and lacks any dorsal or caudal fins. This contrasts sharply with other ray species that have longer, whip-like tails.
Coloration
Observe the dorsal coloration, which is typically cryptic (brown, grey, olive) with potential mottling, allowing it to blend into sandy or muddy bottoms.
Spine
While small and sometimes difficult to see, the presence of a single, short, venomous spine at the base of the tail is characteristic.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- saltwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from the intertidal zone down to about 70 meters (230 feet), though most common in less than 20 meters.
- Ambiente
- Prefers soft substrates such as sand, mud, and silty bottoms in bays, estuaries, lagoons, and nearshore coastal areas. Often found near seagrass beds and mangrove roots.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Western Atlantic Ocean: from Maryland, USA, south to Florida, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Caribbean coast of Central and South America to southern Brazil. Eastern Atlantic Ocean: off the coast of West Africa from Mauritania to Angola.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 2000 gallons
- Temperatura: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- Nível de pH: 8.1-8.4
- Dureza da água: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilidade: Requires a very large, specialized tank with a soft substrate and compatible large, peaceful fish. Not suitable for typical home aquariums.
- Requisitos especiais: Extremely large tank footprint, soft sand substrate for burying, excellent filtration, stable water parameters, and a diet of fresh, high-quality seafood. Due to its size and specialized needs, it is rarely kept in captivity outside of public aquariums.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Present year-round in its range, but may exhibit seasonal movements to shallower or deeper waters based on temperature and prey availability.
- Preço de mercado: Varies regionally, generally low to moderate
- Importância comercial: low
- Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Textura: Firm, flaky
- Métodos de preparo: Fried, Baked, Grilled, Stewed
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein, low in fat.
Fatos principais
Butterfly Shapeinteresting
The 'butterfly' in its common name refers to its exceptionally broad, flattened disc, which is significantly wider than it is long, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Burying Behaviorbehavior
Gymnura micrura frequently buries itself in sand or mud, leaving only its eyes and spiracles exposed, as a camouflage technique to ambush prey and avoid predators.
Short Tail, Potent Stingamazing
Despite its very short tail, the Smooth Butterfly Ray possesses a venomous spine at its base, capable of delivering a painful sting if provoked.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
This ray is a benthic feeder, primarily consuming small crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), bivalves, and small bottom-dwelling fish, which it uncovers from the substrate.
Viviparous Reproductionbehavior
Like many rays, Gymnura micrura is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young after an internal gestation period, with embryos nourished by uterine milk.
Informações de segurança
Manusear com cuidado- Nível de segurança: caution
- Venenoso: Sim
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: Exercise extreme caution when handling. Although the tail spine is short, it is venomous and can inflict a painful sting. Avoid direct contact with the tail. If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without scalding) to denature the venom, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Espécies similares
Spiny Butterfly Ray
Gymnura altavela
G. altavela is generally larger, has a more pronounced caudal spine, and often possesses small dermal denticles (spines) on its dorsal surface, particularly along the midline, which G. micrura lacks (hence 'smooth'). The disc width to length ratio can also differ slightly, with G. altavela often having a slightly less extreme width.
California Butterfly Ray
Gymnura marmorata
G. marmorata is found in the Eastern Pacific and has a distinct marbled or mottled pattern on its dorsal surface. While sharing the broad disc and short tail, its geographic range and specific coloration distinguish it.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordem
- Myliobatiformes
- Família
- Gymnuridae
- Gênero
- Gymnura
- Espécie
- micrura
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