Rhinoptera steindachneri
Identification.
Distinctive cow-like snout with two lobes and a center notch, golden-brown or bronze topside, pale underside; some populations have black wing tips.
Galápagos context.
Not endemic - ranges from Mexico to Peru. Its Galapagos-specific population status is under-researched, part of the same active ray study covering the spotted eagle ray.
Encounter context.
Highly social, often seen schooling; a bottom feeder that vacuum-sucks prey and crushes shells. Has a venomous tail barb used only defensively.
Seasonality.
Present year-round.