Sicklefin Devil Ray

Chilean Devil Rays are recognized by their unique boxy and rectangular head shape, which is different from other rays who have more rounded heads. They also have a pale patch behind their heads, which is used as a good identifier for the species. Their bodies are disc-shaped and are flat. Furthermore, these rays have a specialized gill rack filter pad which is used to help strain microscopic zooplankton from the water they take in. Also, they have special cephalic fins, which are long, finger- like structures on their heads which are used to help zooplankton channel into their mouths.

The Chilean devil Ray lives in warm temperate to tropic oceanic waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They mostly are pelagic, swimming in the open ocean, but also inhabiting areas near continental shelves, and oceanic islands. Their range typically extends from the northeastern United States and the Caribbean to Japan and Australia, and as far as South Africa and the Maldives. They have been known to make long distance migrations across the Atlantic often.

The Chilean Devil Ray is a planktivorous filter feeder, which means they eat small organisms, including zooplankton, copepods, krill, and other small crustaceans . They swim with their mouths open to suck in water, which passes over their gills which traps the small organisms in and then lets the water out. They typically feed near surface waters where the plankton concentrations are the highest. Due to their prey being so small, they need to eat frequently and often.