Reproductive behavior, seasonality, and distribution of three devil ray species (Mobula mobular, M. thurstoni, and M. munkiana) in the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico

• DOI: 10.1007/s00227-023-04314-0
• Publication Date: 2023-11-18T12:02:13Z
• Authors: Marta D. Palacios; Abel Trejo-Ramírez; Sidharta Velázque...; Scarlett A. K. Hu...; Joshua D. Stewart; Melissa R. Cronin; Nerea Lezama-Ochoa; Kelly M. Zilliacus; Rogelio González‑...; Felipe Galván‑Magaña; Donald A. Croll
• Keywords: Courtship display

Abstract We examined the reproductive behavior (courtship and mating), seasonality its distribution in three Mobula species, spinetail, bentfin, Munk’s devil rays ( M. mobular, thurstoni, munkiana ) southwestern Gulf of California, Mexico, using boat surveys (with drone in-water observations) n = 69 survey days), spotter planes 428 flights), citizen science observations 31). whether (1) grounds existed within area for any these (2) followed seasonal patterns, (3) if this was similar among all mobula rays. observed 221 events 2017 2021–2022, mobular 10), thurstoni 3), 208) dispersed along 312 km eastern Baja California Peninsula between 4 m 6.3 away from coast. Most 209) occurred La Ventana Ensenada de Muertos areas. Courtship a copulation attempt , with following pattern occurring March to August, peak during May (81.9% events). displayed previously undescribed behaviors, such as “piggyback leaps” pre-copulatory position “courtship vortex”, where 122 individuals were circling clockwise direction 5 h courtship groups joining leaving main vortex formation. This study highlights areas critical habitats two endangered one vulnerable ray species.