description Brown cownose ray Overview
The brown cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus, is a cartilaginous fish of the family Rhinopteridae found in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. It has a broad, wing-like disc and a deeply indented, bilobed snout, with crushing tooth plates suited to mollusks and other hard-shelled prey. The species uses shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries and undertakes seasonal migrations along parts of the Atlantic coast.
help Brown cownose ray FAQ
What is the scientific name and range of the brown cownose ray?
The brown cownose ray is Rhinoptera bonasus, a member of the family Rhinopteridae. It lives in the western Atlantic, with records ranging from New England and the Gulf of Mexico to northern Argentina. [FishBase species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinoptera-bonasus)
Why is Rhinoptera bonasus called a cownose ray?
Its broad head has a deeply indented, bilobed snout that resembles a cow's nose. It also has a broad wing-like disc and a brown to olive upper surface. [FishBase species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinoptera-bonasus)
What does the brown cownose ray eat?
It feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and mollusks such as clams and other hard-shelled prey. Its crushing tooth plates are adapted for breaking open that type of food. [FishBase species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinoptera-bonasus)
How large can a brown cownose ray become?
FishBase lists a maximum published disc width of about 120 centimeters. The species is also migratory and can move through shallow coastal and estuarine waters. [FishBase species summary](https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinoptera-bonasus)
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