The Rays (Myliobatiformes): The rays belong to the order Myliobatiformes. Globally, there are a total of 178 species of Myliobatiformes. They are characterized by having an oval or triangular, rhomboid shape with graceful wings. The tails are moderately stout to very slender. Included in the family is the Manta Ray (Manta birostris) with wing spans that can reach 22 feet.

The Stingrays are very similar to the Round Rays, characterized by an oval or near circular disc profile with pectorals that are continuous with the sides of the head. They have tails that are equal or shorter in length than the length of the disc and large venomous spines. Most species of this family are bottom-dwellers, found in shallow coastal waters, feeding on buried mollusks and crustaceans.

Most species of this family are bottom dwellers that feed on buried mollusks and crustaceans. Caution: rays have long whiplike tails with venomous spines. These rays are potentially dangerous as they can inflict wounds with intense pain and slow recovery.

Members of the Ray Family found in Mexican waters and represented in the fish identification section of this website include: the Bat Ray, Myliobatis californica; Concentric Stingray, Urobatis concentricus; Cortez Round Ray, Urobatis maculatus; Manta Ray, Manta birostris; Pacific Cownose Ray, Rhinoptera steindachneri; Round Stingray, Urobatis halleri; Sicklefin Devil Ray, Mobula tarapacana; and Whiptail Stingay, Dasyatis brevis.