Como identificar Raia-manteiga

Para identificar Raia-manteiga (Gymnura micrura), observe estas características principais.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Observe the dorsal coloration, which is typically cryptic (brown, grey, olive) with potential mottling, allowing it to blend into sandy or muddy bottoms.

4. 4

   Spine

   While small and sometimes difficult to see, the presence of a single, short, venomous spine at the base of the tail is characteristic.

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