Devilfish in Fuerteventura - Mobula Mobular

Devil Fish In Fuerteventura

Although rare, this endangered species of the eagle rays, can been seen in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands. 

An article by Hannah Mackay with The Voice

Devil Fish - What to look for?

These rays are usually blackish-blue or brown on the top and white underneath and they have a slender, long tail which is covered in thorns. The maximum recorded size was 5.2 meters (17ft) in length, which makes them one of the largest rays in the world and one of the only vertebrates with three pairs of working limbs. These are the Pectoral Fins, Pelvic fins and the Cephalic fins.  It’s the Cephalic fins that gives the Devilfish their name as when they are not feeding, these fins curl and point downwards, giving the appearance of Devil Horns.

Are Devil Fish living dinosaurs? 

Devilfish are believed to have been around for 20-25 million years, so they are not new to our waters. They are gentle giants which feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans and small schooling fish.  Although they tend to swim close to the top of the water to feed, they have been recorded diving to depths of nearly 2km for up to 90 minutes, at speeds of 14mph.  They are known as some of the deepest and fastest divers in the ocean.

Lifecyle of Devil fish in Fuerteventura

The young hatch inside the mother who carries them for up to 25 months.  Birthing normally occurs in the summer months and they usually give birth to just one pup at a time.  They have a very low rate of reproduction, which makes them very sensitive to environmental changes.  The main threat to these magnificent creates is pollution and bycatch capture in fishing equipment.

Devil fish and Eagle Rays in Fuerteventura are sociable creatures

They are very sociable creatures and are generally found with swimming with other Devilfish. And, unlike many rays who prefer to remain still, the Devil Fish like to keep swimming, so if are lucky enough to see one don’t take your eyes of them.