Mobula rays are a group of large, ray-finned fish that inhabit the open ocean and continental shelves worldwide. They have long snouts and can reach up to 2 meters in length. Like other family members, they have flat bodies covered with dark spots and stripes.
Characteristics of Mobula Rays
One unique characteristic of Mobula rays is their ability to “fly” through the water using their wings. They use their pectoral fins like an aeroplane’s wings to generate lift and propel themselves by opening and closing their mouths to suck in water and expel it as they move. They can do this up to 50 times per second! And that’s the reason swimming with Mobula is more enjoyable than snorkelling with whale sharks. During mating season, males will chase females to attract them. Once a female is interested, she will follow the male and wait for him to mate with her. Females will have litters of one or two pups every year.
Bioluminescence
A Mobula ray has a unique ability called bioluminescence. It means that it glows in the dark through a process called chemiluminescence. The brightness of their glow varies based on their species and the chemicals they use to create the light. For example, the Atlantic Mobula has a blue glow, while the Pacific Mobula produces a green glow. This glowing helps the Mobula rays attract mates and prey. It’s believed that this light is also used to communicate. In some areas of the ocean, Mobula rays can be seen glowing brightly against the darkness of the night. Most species of Mobula rays feed on small crustaceans, plankton, and fish. Their sensitive teeth are adapted to catch their food quickly and avoid being swallowed by their prey.
Faster Swimming and Exercise in the Water
Like all other fish, Mobula rays have gills that help them breathe underwater. They also have a streamlined body adapted for swimming long distances at high speeds. Mobula rays have strong muscles that allow them to swim quickly and exercise in the water. They are good swimmers but can also glide effortlessly through the ocean by flapping their enormous wings in a coordinated motion. Snorkel with Mobula ray would be great fun for every adventurous person.
Mobula Largest and most Common Species in the Genus
Mobula is the largest Genus in the family Mobulidae and includes more than 20 species of ray-finned fish that live in the open ocean near coastlines worldwide. Only six species are native to the Atlantic Ocean, and the rest live in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The largest and most common species in the Genus is the Atlantic Mobula (Mobula birostris).
Species of Ray Fish
The Pacific and Atlantic Mobulas get their names from the fact that they are the only species of ray fish commonly found in these oceans. They are also the only members of the Mobulidae family that can be found in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Both species grow to a length between 3 and 4 feet as adults and have distinctive wing-like fins on either side of their bodies. They can flap their wings to move through the water and can also produce a green light visible in the ocean’s dark depths. Another feature of their anatomy that makes them unique from other fish is that their eyes are on the sides of their heads instead of on the end of their noses like most other species.
How to Experience Snorkel with Mobula Ray
If you are planning a tour then you must try a swimming experience with Mobula ray fishes in the beautiful place of Los Cabos. There are so many organizations there that offer you to choose an affordable package to experience the adventurous things in Cabos with incredible underwater experience.
