Cow-nosed Ray 269 



Economic Importance: Of no commercial value. This ray 

 can be very destructive to oyster and clam beds. 



Cow-nosed Ray 

 Rhinoptera bonasus (Mitchill) 



Color: Upper surface of body light to dark brown. Lower 

 surface white or yellow-white. 



Distribution: Coastal waters from Cape Cod to Brazil. 

 Size: The maximum size reported was 7 feet wide. 

 General Information: Nowhere very abundant. In various 

 years in different localities throughout its range large 

 schools have been sighted. It feeds on such shellfish as 

 clams, oysters, and large snails as well as on crabs and 

 lobsters. Shellfish' buried in the bottom are said to be 

 stirred up by the flapping of the pectoral fins. Newborn 

 young are probably 14 inches wide. 

 Economic Importance: None. 



