What Divers Should Know About Devil Fish

Those distinctive cephalic flaps, often rolled up like horns, give the giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) its evocative name and unique silhouette. Growing to an impressive disk length of 3.5 meters (11 ft), this ray is one of the largest in its family and notably, the only mobulid species possessing a spiny tail. Divers most frequently encounter it within the Mediterranean Sea, where it holds the distinction of being the sole resident mobulid, though its range extends to the Eastern Atlantic and parts of the Pacific.

While these magnificent rays are often seen alone or in small clusters, larger groups are occasionally observed. Though capable of remarkable deep dives to 600-700 meters, they predominantly spend their time in shallower coastal waters, typically between 0 and 50 meters, favoring warmer temperatures. Giant devil rays inhabit offshore areas extending into the neritic zone and undergo seasonal migrations across the Mediterranean, seeking productive feeding grounds.