Species profile
Bat Ray
Myliobatis californica
At a glance
Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica) is an IUCN Least Concern shark or ray present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 2,000 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Bat Rays can reach a wingspan of 6 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds.
- They use powerful, plate-like teeth to crush clams, oysters, and other hard-shelled prey.
- A venomous spine at the tail base can deliver a painful wound if stepped on.
- They flap their broad pectoral fins to uncover buried clams and crabs in the sand.
- Bat Rays are found in bays, sloughs, and kelp forests from Oregon to Baja California.
Where Bat Ray are seen
Background
The bat ray is an eagle ray that has a diamond ray-like form that consists of pectoral fins that are wing-like and end in blunt points. The head is broad and raised higher than the pectoral fins. The eyes are laterally situated on the broad head. Below the front of the head projection is a horizontal depression. This means that instead of the head being flat, there is a slight indent in the top…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Bat Ray article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.