Bat Rays Facts

Also named Myliobatis californica, Bat rays were discovered in the late 1800's. Bat rays are a special kind of underwater ray with a distinguishing light brown or black body and a white underbelly. It is named based on its long fins which resemble those of a bat.

  1. Physical description

    • This breed of rays has an unusually flat body and a thin tail that can grow to be even longer than the body of the ray.They have an angular spine behind their torso and a head that looks somewhat extended. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and are usually 2 to 5 feet wide.

    Habitat and environment

    • Bat rays prefer shallow waters near estuaries or other low-tidal zones. This species is also attracted to sandy areas or coral reefs. There is a great number of this species in the Pacific or Mexican parts of the California Baja peninsula.

    Lifestyle

    • Bat rays are very active at night and are known to travel both individually or in large groups.

    Feeding behavior

    • Groups of thousands of rays use pectoral fins to unsettle small animals near the bottom of the ocean to feed on. Bat rays normally consume shrimps, bivalves, small bony fish, crabs and other slightly larger animals.

    Reproduction

    • Bats mate during spring and summer annually. During copulation the males and females swim together with pectoral fins moving in unity. After 9-12 months of gestation, approximately a dozen pups are born live.