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Extreme diving behaviour in devil rays links surface waters and the deep ocean.

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  • 11] Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA [2].

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Chilean devil rays (Mobula tarapacana) unexpectedly dive to nearly 2,000 meters, revealing a crucial link between surface predators and deep-sea food webs. This deep-diving behavior highlights previously unknown ecological connections in ocean ecosystems.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Deep-Sea Ecology
  • Animal Migration

Background:

  • Ecological connections between surface waters and the deep ocean are understudied.
  • High biomass of deep-sea fishes and squids support pelagic food webs, including commercially important species and marine mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ecological role of Chilean devil rays (Mobula tarapacana) in connecting surface and deep ocean ecosystems.
  • To document the vertical movement patterns and potential foraging behaviors of Mobula tarapacana.

Main Methods:

  • Pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags were deployed on 15 Chilean devil rays in the central North Atlantic Ocean.
  • Tag data provided movement patterns for individuals over a period of up to 9 months.

Main Results:

  • Chilean devil rays exhibited unexpected deep-diving behavior, descending to depths of nearly 2,000 meters.
  • These descents occurred at rapid speeds (up to 6.0 m/s) into cold waters (<4°C).
  • Dive profiles suggest foraging activity within deep scattering layers.

Conclusions:

  • Mobula tarapacana plays a significant role in linking surface ocean predators with deep-sea forage species.
  • The study provides evidence for previously unrecognized ecological interactions in pelagic habitats below the euphotic zone.
  • Deep-diving behavior in this species highlights the importance of studying deep ocean ecosystems.