devil ray

noun

Definition of devil ray

: any of various very large rays (genera Manta and Mobula of the family Mobulidae) widely distributed in warm seas that have large, triangular, winglike pectoral fins and a pair of hornlike lobes near the mouth which are used to guide plankton and other small aquatic organisms into the mouth, that typically lack a stinger on the tail, and that reproduce viviparously producing one or two offspring at birth

— called also devilfish

— compare manta ray

Examples of devil ray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Several species of sharks, as well as all manta and devil rays, are protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). — Jordan Culver, USA TODAY, "About 1,400 pounds of shark fins, worth nearly $1 million, seized by officials in Florida," 5 Feb. 2020 On the top floor of the aquarium (The Vista), breathtaking views of cruise ships and Miami’s skyline compete with the 100-foot wide, 500,000-gallion tank where mahi-mahi, devil rays, tuna, and hammerhead sharks cavort. — Necee Regis, BostonGlobe.com, "A look at Miami’s new Frost Science museum," 21 Mar. 2018 Director Eliana Alvarez Martinez focuses on Munk’s search for pygmy devil rays, a species that was named Mobula Munkiana in his honor. — Gary Robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New film follows Scripps' scientist on his search for exotic "flying" fish," 12 Sep. 2017 This is the tank where mahi-mahi, devil rays and hammerhead sharks travel through its open water. — Howard Cohen, miamiherald, "How a simple leak in the museum aquarium turned dramatic on Facebook," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'devil ray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.