• Maldivian Name: Vaifiya Madi

  • Habitat: Find them on a shallow lagoons, deep channels and many other reefs.

  • Location: Many of dive sites you can find this beautiful animals.

  • Size: 1.5 meters

  • Description: Flattened (depressiform) body with dark brown dorsal surface covered in white spots. Ventral surface is white. Pectoral fins are extremely pronounced - forming wing-like appendages used for primary locomotion. Head is obvious, with flattened, tapered snout. Caudal fin is heavily modified into a whip-like form (typical of ray species). Venomous spines (1-5) may be found along base of caudal fin's dorsal surface.Diet: fish, crustaceans, squid, and octopus

  • Feeding Habits: Bivalves, shrimp, crabs, annelids, octopus, whelks, and small fish

  • Lifespan: 4-6 years

  • Offspring: 2 to 6 per litter every year

  • Status: no Threatened

  • Threatened by: human destruction

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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives