| COWNOSE STINGRAY |
| Rhinoptera bonasus |
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Range:
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Western Atlantic and Caribbean, from New England, USA to southern Brazil. |
 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.
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| Habitat: |
Common along the shores in bays and estuaries. Prefer sand/silt bottom, will bury themselves to camouflage. These stingrays migrate to the Caribbean in the winter. Found alone or in small schools. |
| Diet: |
Clams, oysters, hard clams and other invertebrates. |
| Status: |
Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
11 to 18 inches in width at birth.
A mature ray can grow to 45 inches in width, and weigh 50 pounds or more. |
| Lifespan: |
thought to be 13-18 years. |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
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. |
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