The devilfish (Mobula mobular) is an enormous ray species known by several other monikers, including giant devil ray and Mediterranean devil ray. These creatures of the family Mobulidae are prevalent in the Mediterranean sea. They also inhabit the Black Sea and parts of the Atlantic Ocean. They live in small scattered pods throughout this distribution.
Devilfish are usually either blackish-blue or brown on the top, and white below. They possess slender and lengthy tails that are covered by thorny protrusions. Devilfish can sometimes grow to 17 feet or so. They possess several sets of fins, which are the cephalic, pelvic and pectoral fins. Their sizable and pointy pectoral fins go further back than their heads. Devilfish have prominently wide and large heads. Their mouths are located not on their heads but on their undersides, by the cephalic fins. Their mostly white undersides have irregular black blots.
Devilfish consume a lot of wee schooling fishes and planktonic creatures. One of the devilfish's preferred forms of sustenance is the northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica). Crustaceans are a particular favorite for devilfish. Devilfish tend to swim near the top of the water in order to track down planktonic nourishment.
Devilfish live in both deep and shallower waters. They typically gravitate toward offshore settings close to continental shelves. Within their geographic scope, devilfish frequently travel great distances, although the purposes of their treks are uncertain.
While pregnant, female devilfish carry their young for approximately 25 months. They welcome one pup into the world at a time, although two pups may also occur occasionally. The eggs stay inside the mother until they open up. Birthing takes place during the summer months every year. The pups feed on their mothers' uterine milk.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classified devilfish as being "endangered" creatures in 2006 but didn't hazard a guess at population size. They are believed to be scattered around all over the place in small amounts. Among dangers to devilfish are polluted water and accidental trapping.
Devilfish are companionable and sociable creatures in their natural environment. They do not lead solitary lifestyles in any sense of the word, and are generally found swimming in units of fellow devilfish.
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