Devil rays are captivating marine creatures that glide gracefully through the ocean. Many wonder if these large rays, sometimes called “devil fish,” can sting like their relatives. This question often stems from misconceptions. Devil rays are indeed fascinating, but their reputation as potential stingers is largely unfounded.
The Stinging Truth
Devil rays, belonging to the genus Mobula, do not possess a venomous barb and cannot sting. Unlike other rays, most devil ray species lack the serrated, venomous spine on their tail responsible for a sting. This means they lack the sharp, defensive weapon found in true stingrays, which use their barb primarily when threatened or accidentally stepped on. The stingray’s barb contains venom and can cause significant pain, though it is rarely fatal to humans.
There is one notable exception: the spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular), which does possess a small stinger at the base of its tail. However, this stinger is less dangerous than those of typical stingrays and is often encased, rendering it harmless. Without a stinger, devil rays largely depend on their speed and agility to evade predators rather than direct defense.
Distinguishing Devil Rays from Stingrays
Despite shared flattened body shapes and wide pectoral fins, devil rays and stingrays have distinct physical characteristics. The most significant difference lies in the tail: stingrays typically have a long, whip-like tail armed with one or more venomous barbs used for defense, while most devil rays have a shorter, slender tail and lack this stinger. This absence of a barb makes devil rays distinctly different in their defensive capabilities.
Another distinguishing feature is mouth placement. Devil rays are filter feeders with mouths positioned at the front of their heads, aided by unique horn-like cephalic fins that funnel food. In contrast, most stingrays are bottom feeders with mouths located on their underside, designed for crushing prey like crustaceans and mollusks found on the seafloor. Devil rays use their large pectoral fins for “underwater flight” through the water column, whereas many stingrays move their fins in a wavy pattern and often dwell on the seabed.
The Gentle Giants: What Devil Rays Are Really Like
Devil rays are known for their non-aggressive and gentle disposition, despite their large size. They are pelagic creatures, inhabiting the open ocean and constantly swimming to breathe. These filter feeders primarily consume microscopic plankton, small crustaceans like krill, and tiny fish, using their specialized cephalic lobes to direct food into their mouths.
Devil rays are also famous for their aerial acrobatics, often leaping impressively out of the water. While the exact reasons for this behavior are debated, it may serve purposes such as communication, courtship, or removing parasites. Encountering these curious animals is often described as a magical experience for divers. They are harmless to humans, posing little threat. Many species undertake seasonal migrations, sometimes gathering in massive groups.