Distribution of three mobulid ray species (Mobula tarapacana, M. mobular, and M. thurstoni) in the western Atlantic and Caribbean Endangered Species Research

Populations of rays in the family Mobulidae have been declining globally, mainly due to fishing pressure. Within this family, devil rays remain far less understood than the more commonly studied manta rays, largely due to the rarity of occurrence in many regions, taxonomic uncertainties, and frequent species misidentification. Here, we compiled data from multiple sources—including unpublished data sets, research publications, internet searches, and incidental sighting reports—to describe the spatial distribution of 3 species of devil rays (Mobula tarapacana, M. thurstoni, and M. mobular) in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. A total of 970 sightings of 1866 individuals of all 3 devil ray species were recorded, with 608 sightings of 1378 individual M. tarapacana, 263 sightings of 321 individual M. mobular, and 99 sightings of 167 individual M. thurstoni. Fisheries interactions were responsible for 21.4% (n = 208) of the sightings. We present updated distribution maps, provide a checklist of countries where devil ray sightings have occurred, and offer recommendations for future research.