Mobulinae

Mobulinae is a subfamily of rays belonging to the family Myliobatidae, commonly known as eagle rays. This subfamily includes the genus Mobula, which contains several species of large, cartilaginous fish found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Mobula rays are characterized by their flattened bodies, wing-like pectoral fins, and the presence of cephalic fins, which are horn-like appendages extending forward from their heads. These cephalic fins are believed to aid in directing food towards their mouths.

Species within Mobulinae, such as the giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) and the lesser devil ray (Mobula hypostioma), are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small schooling fish. They swim by undulating their large pectoral fins, giving them an appearance of flying through the water. Mobula rays are generally pelagic, inhabiting open ocean environments, although they can also be found in coastal waters. They are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water, a behavior whose exact purpose is still debated among scientists, with theories ranging from predator evasion to communication.

Reproduction in Mobulinae is ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the mother, and the young are born live. Litter sizes are typically small. Due to their migratory nature and relatively slow reproductive rates, Mobula rays are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation, leading several species to be listed as endangered or critically endangered by conservation organizations. Their cartilage and gill plates are also sought after in some markets.