Cownose Ray

ID points

• Front of the head is notched into two lobes, like a cow's nose
• Long pointed pectoral fins give a broad diamond outline
• Migrates in groups of thousands, massed into square formations

Basics

Family

Myliobatidae

Length

90–110 cm

Depth

1-30 m

Regions

Estuary & freshwater

Distribution

Inshore tropical and subtropical waters and estuaries

Habitat

Inshore waters, bays and estuaries

Diet

Molluscs, crustaceans

Easily confused with

Eagle RayInky black back covered in white spotsAngel SharkFlattened like a ray, but the gill slits open on the sides of the bodyElectric RayBody almost a round disc with thick soft edges

Fun fact

The cownose ray has a deep notch across the front of its head that makes it look, seen head on, exactly like the muzzle of a cow. They gather in migrating shoals that can number tens of thousands, an extraordinary sight. They fan the sandy bottom with their pectoral fins to uncover clams and oysters, then crush them with plate like teeth.