Discover The Enigmatic Spiny Butterfly Ray: Size, Habitat, Behavior, And Conservation

The Spiny Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela) is a marine fish characterized by its flattened, diamond-shaped body and long, venomous tail spine. Distributed in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, it inhabits sandy bottoms near coral reefs and estuaries. Reaching lengths of up to 5 feet and weighing over 500 pounds, this ray’s lifespan can extend beyond 20 years. It exhibits social behavior, forming large feeding aggregations, and relies on its venomous spine for defense. Conservation concerns arise from its vulnerable status due to habitat loss, overfishing, and bycatch.

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