Maskrays [Zanobatus]

Description

Zanobatus is a genus within the family Trygonorrhinidae, known commonly as maskrays due to the distinctive patterning around their eyes that resembles a mask. These rays inhabit tropical to warm temperate waters, with a distribution that includes the eastern Atlantic and the Indo-West Pacific regions. Zanobatus species are relatively small compared to other rays and have a flattened body shape adapted for a benthic lifestyle, living on or near the seabed. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The body is usually adorned with spots or other markings that provide camouflage against the sandy or muddy bottoms they inhabit.

Species

Taxonomy