Mobula thurstoni

Mobula thurstoni (Lloyd, 1908) is a species of chondrichthyes belonging to the family Mobulidae (order Myliobatiformes).

Common name. In English this species is commonly known as the smoothtail mobula.

Taxonomy. The scientific name Mobula thurstoni (Lloyd, 1908) places this species within the chondrichthyes lineage, among the most diverse vertebrates on Earth.

Description & ecology. As a member of Myliobatiformes, Mobula thurstoni exhibits the group's characteristic adaptations: a chondrichthyes fish Its biology reflects the demands of its particular habitat and life history within the family Mobulidae.

Distribution. The species occurs within the natural range of its lineage; precise localities and depth preferences are documented in the taxonomic literature for Mobulidae.

Human relevance. Like many fishes, it may be of interest to fisheries, aquaculture, the aquarium trade, or conservation, depending on its abundance and distribution.