Catalog of Fishes
literature references
FishBase
Bold Systems
IUCN Red List
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Gymnura natalensis
(Gilchrist & Thompson, 1911)
Backwater butterfly ray
Classification: Elasmobranchii Myliobatiformes Gymnuridae
Reference of the original description
Descriptions of fishes from the coast of Natal (Part III.). Annals of the South African Museum, 11(2), 29–58
Descriptions of fishes from the coast of Natal (Part III.). Annals of the South African Museum, 11(2), 29–58
Image of the original description
No image in first description.
No image in first description.
Synonyms / new combinations and misspellings
Pteroplatea natalensis, Urogymnus natalensis
Pteroplatea natalensis, Urogymnus natalensis
Description :
Citation: Gymnura natalensis (Gilchrist & Thompson, 1911): In: Database of modern sharks, rays and chimaeras, www.shark-references.com, World Wide Web electronic publication, Version 04/2024
Common names
Schmetterlingsrochen, 
Raya mariposa de Natal, 
Raie-papillon du Natal, 
Backwater butterfly ray, Backwater butterflyray, Butterfly ray, Diamond ray
Schmetterlingsrochen, Raya mariposa de Natal, Raie-papillon du Natal, Backwater butterfly ray, Backwater butterflyray, Butterfly ray, Diamond ray
Short Description
Broad diamond-shaped pectoral disc almost twice as wide as it is long; tail shorter than body with black and white bands and a small sting; tentacle at rear edge of each spiracle [536]. Grey, green or brown above, often with darker mottling; white below; can change color of upper disc rapidly to match substrate [536].
Broad diamond-shaped pectoral disc almost twice as wide as it is long; tail shorter than body with black and white bands and a small sting; tentacle at rear edge of each spiracle [536]. Grey, green or brown above, often with darker mottling; white below; can change color of upper disc rapidly to match substrate [536].
Distribution
Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Namibia round the Cape to southern Mozambique.
Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Namibia round the Cape to southern Mozambique.
Human uses
gamefish: yes
gamefish: yes
Biology
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures [733]. Distinct pairing with embrace [17086]. One year gestation; up to 10 young [536]. Feeds on fish and zoobenthos [536].
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures [733]. Distinct pairing with embrace [17086]. One year gestation; up to 10 young [536]. Feeds on fish and zoobenthos [536].
Remarks
shark-references Species-ID=2579;
shark-references Species-ID=2579;
Parasites (arranged by Jürgen Pollerspöck)
Monogenea
Copepoda
Monogenea
- Heteronchocotyle gymnurae Neifar, Euzet & Ben Hassine, 2001 [31765]
Copepoda
- Schistobrachia jordaanae Dippenaar, Olivier & Benz, 2004 [15303] [7613] [27172]
- Schistobrachia sp. [16637]
