First records of Mobula hypostoma (Bancroft, 1831), Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray, (Myliobatiformes, Mobulidae) and other devil rays in shallow waters of the Republic of the Congo, Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)

Abstract

Mobula hypostoma (Bancroft, 1831), Atlantic Pygmy Devil Rays, were observed during megafauna surveys in the shallow coastal waters off the Republic of the Congo. These are the first records of this species in its natural habitat in Congolese waters, which may well offer an important habitat for these coastal batoids, but further research is needed. There is an urgent need for management measures to protect M. hypostoma throughout its African range, particularly in view of the recent increase in fishing activities within the region.

Keywords

• Conservation
• distribution
• elasmobranch
• megafaun