‘Flash Mobula’: first observations of courtship behaviour of the shortfin devil ray Mobula kuhlii

Abstract

First-time observations of courtship behaviour of the Endangered shortfin devil ray Mobula kuhlii are described from the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Three events of M. kuhlii courtship, called ‘mating trains’, were recorded on video during the months of November 2020 and January 2021. These included a near-term pregnant female, and two lead females followed by up to four males. The common behaviours associated with courtship were documented: multiple males following a single female, rapid speed bursts, avoidance of the female, and swerving. This study confirms that M. kuhlii mating occurs in KwaZulu-Natal waters and that courtship is similar across mobulids. The findings demonstrate the importance of the habitat provided by the Aliwal Shoal MPA for this currently unprotected species.

Keywords:

• aggregation site
• Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area
• elasmobranch reproduction
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Mobulidae
• pre-mating behaviour
• South Africa
• underwater video