Rays
Rays
Oceans
ABout Rays

DISTINGUISHED BY THEIR LARGE, FLAT BODIES, RAYS ARE A TYPE OF FISH THAT ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO SHARKS.

They’re often called stingrays because of their long, whip-like tail with a barb near the base. But fear not! Cownose and southern rays only use their barb as a defense when they feel trapped and need a quick exit. These animals (as most rays) prefer to swim away from threats whenever possible.

Around 430 different species of rays patrol the world’s oceans, living in schools up to several thousand! Our species are native to Atlantic coastal waters, from New England to Brazil. Their population is surviving along the U.S. coast but they are near threatened due to unregulated fishing practices in South America.

Who’s at the Zoo

Cownose rays, southern ray

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FACTS & STATISTICS
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average size
2-6 feet wide
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native region
Atlantic Ocean
Asset 7
eating habits
Fish and crustaceans
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Conservation status
Near threatened
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Come see for yourself.

Look no further. Connect with our amazing animals and learn about the wild places they come from.

WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?
The Cownose Rays is located in the Oceans Exhibit.
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Animal Amigo
Sponsor a Cownose Ray

The Animal Amigo program helps care for all of the animals at the Zoo by funding food, medical treatment, equipment, enrichment toys, and habitat improvement for the animals in our care. For a donation of $100 or more, you can sponsor a cownose ray at the Indianapolis Zoo. You will receive a plush, collector card, certificate and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board!

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