Figures & data
Figure 1. Male giant devil rays (Mobula mobular), northeast North Island, New Zealand, 4 March 2017. Diagnostic characters are: white tipped dorsal fin; spine at base of tail; dark collar extending between spiracles; spiracle located above the pectoral fin origin; and long, whip-like tail. The claspers of the lead male are visible protruding past the posterior margin of the pelvic fins.
Figure 2. A near full-term pregnancy giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) (right) swimming on a parallel course past two pursuing males (left) after having made a rapid 180° change in direction; northeast North Island, New Zealand, 4 March 2017.
Figure 3. Pregnant giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) swimming in a tight circle with three pursuing males.
Figure 4. Male giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) pressing the abdomen of the pregnant female.
Figure 5. Possible attempt by a male giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) to grasp the left pectoral fin tip of the female.
