A Spectacular encounter with Cownose rays in Loreto
At Baja Adventures, every expedition in the Baja California Peninsula, particularly in Loreto, continues to amaze us. Even after a decade of exploration, the region's natural wonders never cease to surprise, reaffirming that its secrets are far from fully uncovered. Each journey is a new opportunity to connect with the ocean and its boundless biodiversity.
Golden cownose rays aggregation in Loreto by Regina Domingo.
A Day of Marine Marvels
Today's expedition was nothing short of extraordinary. After a warm and sunny spring day filled with sightings of three whale species, two dolphin types, mobula rays, sharks, and sea lions, we were treated to an unforgettable spectacle on our return to port.
Superpod of common dolphins in Loreto
In the shallow waters of Loreto, we encountered a massive aggregation of cownose rays (*Rhinoptera bonasus*), gracefully gliding through the productive waters. Acting in unison, these rays submerged and emerged together in harmony with the tidal flow—a breathtaking display of nature's choreography.
Golden cownose rays aggregation in Loreto, Gulf of California, Mexico by Baja Adventures team.
We have also observed cownose rays alongside other iconic species such as whale sharks and mobula rays in the Gulf of California. These species often share similar feeding grounds, where they forage for a variety of marine life. Cownose rays are known for their durophagous diet, feeding on hard-shelled organisms like mollusks, crustaceans, and bivalves such as clams and scallops.
The Fascinating Cownose Ray
The Cownose ray derives its scientific name from the Greek words “rhinos” (nose) and “pteron” (wing), reflecting its distinctive facial shape. While common in the Gulf of California, their aggregation and behavior in Loreto’s coastal waters continue to astonish us. These pelagic creatures are known for their gregarious nature, often forming large schools. Despite being open-water dwellers, they frequent warm, shallow coastal areas to feed on benthic organisms.
Golden cownose ray aggregation during spring in Loreto.
Predators
Cownose rays have few natural predators, primarily including cobia and hammerhead sharks. However, their main threat comes from human activities, such as overfishing and habitat degradation. In the Gulf of California, Pacific cownose rays (*Rhinoptera steindachneri*) are frequently caught by artisanal gillnet fisheries, making them vulnerable to overfishing.
Conservation Insights
Cownose rays are migratory and social creatures, residing in near coastal waters and estuarian ecosystems. They are able to tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to adapt to various habitats. However, their populations are threatened due to overfishing and lack of specific conservation measures. Efforts to protect these species are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats.
Insights into the Golden cownose ray
The golden cownose ray (Rhinoptera steindachneri) is a significant component of artisanal elasmobranch fisheries in the northern Gulf of California and Bahía Almejas, Mexico. This species is particularly abundant during summer months, with a mean size of about 64 cm disc width. Maturity is reached at approximately 70 cm for both males and females, and they typically give birth to one offspring after an 11–12 month gestation period.
Due to their large size at maturity, low fecundity, and extended gestation, golden cownose rays are highly susceptible to overfishing. This vulnerability underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of their populations.
The main threats to cownose rays in the Gulf of California are overfishing and habitat loss.
Overfishing
Cownose rays are commonly caught in gillnet fisheries.
They are also caught as bycatch by trawls for shrimp and hake.
They are caught for their meat and sometimes used as bait.
Their tendency to travel in schools and preference for shallow waters makes them vulnerable to overfishing.
Uncontrolled sport fishing remains a major threat to local cownose ray numbers.
Cownose rays entangled in a gill net by Marine megafauna foundation
Join the Adventure
For Baja Adventures, each expedition is a chance to learn more about the ocean’s rich biodiversity and share these discoveries with our participants. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or new to marine adventures, Loreto offers unparalleled opportunities to witness nature’s wonders up close.
Baja Adventures expedition boat in Loreto.