Cownose Rays in our Gulf & Bay Waters

Cownose rays prefer shallow, brackish water like Tampa Bay, but tend to swim at the surface, reducing the risk of humans stepping on them. They are known to school in large groups to migrate great distances, as seen in above picture taken last weekend near Venetian Isles in St. Petersburg. Their tile-like teeth are ideal for crushing crustaceans and mollusks, as well as small invertebrates and bony fish.

cownose-rays

Source: flmnh.ufl.edu, Photo credit: Tim Flanagan.

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