Abstract
This manuscript deals with the Bent-fin Devil Ray Mobula thurstoni for its first time occurrence in the Andaman & Nicobar waters around the Indian EEZ which is a new locality record confirming the range extension of the species to the southeast of Bay of Bengal (the Andaman Sea). A female specimen of 318mm disc length and weighing 2.47Kg was caught by a multiday bottom trawler operated off North Bay and was landed at Junglighat fishing harbour, South Andaman. A detailed diagnostic description and morphometric measurements of M. thurstoni is provided. For the first time this species has been described from Indian waters and compared with the other related species, and so documenting its first occurrence in the Andaman & Nicobar waters.
Highlights
Diagnosis The present specimen of M. thurstoni was a moderate size with a disc width (WD) of 624mm and disc length (DL) 318mm
Even though the mobulids are widely distributed in the tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate oceans this is the first time M. thurstoni has been described from the EEZ of India
Their geographical distribution has been extended from Southeast Asian Seas to the EEZ of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Summary
They are distributed circumglobally in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters (Croll et al 2016) In earlier literature these beautiful creatures were portrayed as diabolical and ferocious brutes, even though they are harmless to human beings (Saenz- Arroyo et al 2006). Their existence has been documented since the 17th century (Willughby & Ray 1686), information on their biology and ecology is scanty (Coutrier et al 2012; Croll et al 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
