Near Threatened· population decreasing· assessed 2020

Pacific Cownose Ray

Rhinoptera steindachneri

Sighting evidence at La Cazuela, Gorgona Island

Large schools of Pacific cownose rays cruise above the reef at La Cazuela, their diamond-shaped forms sweeping through the water in tight formation. These rays are closely tied to the ridge topography, using the current to glide effortlessly while feeding on bivalves and crustaceans buried in the sandy patches below. Their mass schooling behaviour — sometimes hundreds at a time — creates one of the most visually stunning spectacles at Gorgona.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Pacific Cownose Ray is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.